Name Robin Charles
Age 36
Works for Spur Group Pty Ltd

What is food technology?
It’s the scientific study of the large-scale production and preservation of food, as well as the development and analysis of food in industrial food-processing facilities.

Sounds complicated. So what do food technologists actually do?
We’re involved in different areas of food manufacture, including quality assurance, processing technology, chemistry and microbiology. We’re also trained to ensure that both legal and industrial food standards are monitored and maintained. We work in research teams to solve the technical problems that arise whenever raw materials are converted to preserved foods in factories. We’re employed in bottling plants, bakeries, beverage manufacturers, canning companies, dairies as well as fish and meat processing plants.

Where and what did you study?
I studied at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and graduated with a national diploma in Food Technology, which is a three-year course. I then did a further four years to obtain my Business Technology degree.

Describe a typical day on the job.
I work within several sectors – the meat, poultry, baking, prepared foods, fish and beverage industries. Right now I’m in the procurement department and my duties vary from factory audits and compliance testing to development work. I also deal with logistics and storage and looking at the impact the distribution sequence has on perishable products – a segment of the supply chain that’s critical to the suitability of the end product.

Do food technologists find work easily in South Africa?
The industry is vast. You could, for example, work in quality assurance, manufacturing, food auditing or in supply chains. So it’s not difficult to find a job.

Is it financially rewarding?
If you’re prepared to commit to this industry it can be very rewarding.

Ideally, what personality traits should a food technologist have?
Above all you need to be hard-working, inquisitive, enthusiastic, open to new ideas and concepts and have an analytical mind.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Interacting with sectors of the industry and being exposed to leading technologies. It’s also very satisfying being part of a big brand such as Spur.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?
Not really, but some days can be very demanding.

What advice do you have for aspiring food technologists?
Get involved with industry bodies, stay in touch with developments in the food sector in SA and globally, and become familiar with the legislation that governs the industry. And remember, there’s no substitute for hard work and dedication.

FACT CHECK
These universities offer Food Science degrees:

• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State

These institutions offer Food Technology diplomas:

• Durban University of Technology
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg