Food Technologist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Food Technologist Do?
Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
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Where Do I Start?
Legislation About Animal Origin Products
The applicable legal rules on temperature, waste materials, traceability, labelling, trading, and the transport of animal origin products.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Food Technologist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialLegislation About Animal Origin Products knowledge
The applicable legal rules on temperature, waste materials, traceability, labelling, trading, and the transport of animal origin products.
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EssentialBiotechnology knowledge
The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialChemistry knowledge
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFermentation Processes Of Food knowledge
Conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process happens using bacteria or yeasts, or a combination of the two under anaerobic conditions. Food fermentation is also involved in …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Allergies knowledge
The types of food allergies within the sector, which substances trigger allergies, and how they can be replaced or eliminated (if possible).
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood And Beverage Industry knowledge
The respective industry and the processes involved in the food and beverage industry, such as raw material selection, processing, packaging, and storage.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Canning Production Line knowledge
Steps in the canning process line from washing, conditioning and weighing food products, washing and preparing cans, filling cans, as well as other operations in order to obtain the end …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Legislation knowledge
Legislation related to the food and feed industry including food manufacturing, hygiene, safety, raw materials, additives, GMOs, labelling, environmental and trade regulations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Materials knowledge
Quality and range of raw materials, half finished products and end products of a specific food sector.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Preservation knowledge
Deterioration factors, controlling factors (temperature, additives, humidity, pH, water activity, etc., including packaging) and food processing methods to preserve food products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Safety Principles knowledge
Scientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Science knowledge
The study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the scientific concepts underlying food processing and nutrition.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Storage knowledge
The proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialHealth, Safety And Hygiene Legislation knowledge
The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialLaboratory-Based Sciences knowledge
Laboratory based sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, integrated science or advanced laboratory science.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPathogenic Microorganisms In Food knowledge
The identification and characteristics of pathogenic micro-organisms in food and the adequate prevention methods to inhibit its reproduction in food materials.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialProcesses Of Foods And Beverages Manufacturing knowledge
Raw materials and production processes for getting finished food products. Importance of quality control and other techniques for the food and beverage industry.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialQuality Assurance Methodologies knowledge
Quality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCombination Of Flavours knowledge
The large range of combinations of flavours to develop new recipes or products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCombination Of Textures knowledge
The combination of textures for new recipes or products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEnzymatic Processing knowledge
Enzymatic processes used in food production as well as in other industrial biotechnological processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFoodborne Diseases knowledge
Understand foodborne illnesses and poisoning as to prevent public health problems.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Engineering knowledge
Research and development of new foods, biological and pharmaceutical products, development and operation of manufacturing and packaging and distributing systems for drug/food products, design and installation of food production processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Product Ingredients knowledge
Technical features of the formulation of ingredients for food products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Products Composition knowledge
Chemical and nutritional composition of food products, which enables the modification of existing products and processes and the development of new ones.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFood Toxicity knowledge
The causes of food poisoning and spoilage, and the preservation methods of food products so as to prevent toxicity from customers.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFunctional Properties Of Foods knowledge
Structure, quality, nutritional value and/or acceptability of a food product. A food functional property is determined by physical, chemical and/or organoleptic properties of a food. Examples of a functional property …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialIngredient Threats knowledge
Ingredients and potential risks which could damage humans, the flora and the fauna. Functions in ingredient formulas.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialRisks Associated To Physical, Chemical, Biological Hazards In Food And Beverages knowledge
Interpretation of laboratory tests for parameters affecting food safety taking into account risks associated with physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food and beverages.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTraceability In Food Industry knowledge
Traceability measures to respond to potential risks that can arise in food and feed, so as to ensure that all food products are safe for humans to eat.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAnalyse Packaging Requirements skill
Analyses packaging requirement against the design of the production plan. Perform the analysis considering engineering, economic, ergonomic, and other perspectives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse Samples Of Food And Beverages skill
Examine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Gmp skill
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Haccp skill
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Requirements Concerning Manufacturing Of Food And Beverages skill
Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify The Factors Causing Changes In Food During Storage skill
recognize the most relevant factors (chemical, physical, environmental etc) that can alter the food during its storage
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLead Process Optimisation skill
Lead process optimisation using statistical data. Design experiments on the production line and functional process control models.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Visual Data skill
Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Engineering Drawings skill
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Work-Related Reports skill
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Food Technology Principles skill
Food technology: a branch of food science that deals with the production processes to make foods and improve processes aimed at processing foodstuffs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssess Haccp Implementation In Plants skill
Assess the adequate implementation of HACCP in plants. Assure that plants are operating within the specifications of their written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Food Production Processes skill
Develop processes and techniques for food production or food preservation. Engage in the design, development, construction and operation of industrial processes and techniques for food manufacturing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEvaluate Ingredient Documentation From Suppliers skill
Read, organise and evaluate documentation on ingredients from suppliers and co-manufacturers. Identify deficiencies and enquire for clarifications and corrective actions as per regulatory demands.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow-Up Lab Results skill
Analyse lab results and apply them by adapting the production process. Report, review and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialImprove Chemical Processes skill
Collect data required to make improvements or modifications to chemical processes. Develop new industrial processes, design new process plants/equipment or modify existing ones.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret Data In Food Manufacturing skill
Interpret data from different sources, like market data, scientific papers, and customers requirements in order to research development and innovation in food sector.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialKeep Up With Innovations In Food Manufacturing skill
Latest innovative products and technologies to process, preserve, package and improve food products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Discarded Products skill
Manage production stops due to insufficient product quality and manage associated waste issues within the scope of good manufacturing practices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Food Manufacturing Laboratory skill
Manage laboratory activities in the plant or factory and using the data to monitor the quality of manufactured products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage The Use Of Additives In Food Manufacturing skill
Managing the use of additives or preservatives for food.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Developments Used For Food Industry skill
Identifying and exploring developments and innovation in technology and materials in the food industry.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Processing Conditions skill
Observe gauges, video monitors, and printouts to assess if specified processing conditions are in place. Make the necessary adjustments to process variables such as times, inputs, flow rates and temperature …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Food Risk Analysis skill
Perform food risks analysis for food safety assurance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStrive For Nutritional Improvement Of Food Manufacturing skill
Work with experts from the agricultural and food processing industries to improve food value, nutrition, and supply.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTranslate Chemical Innovations In Pragmatic Terms skill
Clearly explain chemical innovations and variations made to products to the production level. Work closely with process chemists and control engineers to ensure the process plant improvements are implemented according …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse New Technologies In Food Manufacturing skill
Keep abreast of new technologies and innovations in all fields of food manufacturing. Read articles and maintains an active exchange with peers in benefit of the company and its products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWatch Food Product Trends skill
Examine findings and behaviours as to understand trends, features, or qualitative wishes of customers. Use that information for product development, for product improvement, and for packaging requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 62 displayed)
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OptionalFermentation Processes Of Beverages knowledge
Fermentation processes related to the conversion of sugar to alcohol, gases and acids.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFood Safety Standards knowledge
Food safety standards (i.e. ISO 22000) developed by the recognised organisations for Standardization dealing with food safety. For example, the ISO 22000 international standard specifies the requirements for an effective …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCultural Customs On Food Preparation knowledge
Cultural or religious rules and traditions regarding the preparation of food.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEffects Of Pesticides In Food Raw Materials knowledge
Different types of pesticides used for food raw materials to control proper use of those substances preserving main characteristics of products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFood Homogenisation knowledge
The procedures, machines and reciped used to mix different foodstuffs and solutions by transforming them through high pressure and acceleration processes into an uniform fluid or product.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdjust Production Schedule skill
Adjust work schedule in order to maintain permanent shift operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Production Processes For Improvement skill
Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Trends In The Food And Beverage Industries skill
Investigate trends in foodstuffs related to consumers preferences. Examine key markets based on both product type and geography as well as technological improvements in the industry.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Control Process Statistical Methods skill
Apply statistical methods from Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to control manufacturing processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Quality Characteristics Of Food Products skill
Assess quality characteristics of food products in terms of the main properties (e.g. physical, sensorial, chemical, technological, etc.) for raw materials, half-finished products, as well as finish products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalBe At Ease In Unsafe Environments skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Environmental Audits skill
Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck Quality Of Products On The Production Line skill
Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate New Recipes skill
Combine innovative and creative ideas to come up with new recipes and preparations to extend the product of range of a company. Make modifications to recipes in order to enhance …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop New Food Products skill
Conduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Standard Operating Procedures In The Food Chain skill
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in the food chain based on the production feedback. Understand current operating procedures and identify best techniques. Develop new procedures and update existing ones.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Environmental Legislation In Food Production skill
Make sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Continuous Preparedness For Audits skill
Ensure constant compliance with standards and requirements, such as keeping certifications up to date and monitoring activities to ensure correct procedures are followed, so that audits can occur smoothly and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Correct Goods Labelling skill
Ensure that goods are labeled with all necessary labeling information (e.g. legal, technological, hazardous and others) regarding the product. Ensure that labels respects the legal requirements and adhere to regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Quality Of Final Product skill
Ensure that finished products meet or exceed company specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Hazards In The Workplace skill
Perform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Up-To-Date With Regulations skill
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and apply this knowledge in specific sectors.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Environmental Management System skill
Develop and implement an environmental management system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMitigate Waste Of Resources skill
Evaluate and identify opportunities to use resources more efficiently with continuously striving to reduce waste of utilities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Packaging Operations skill
Observe and supervise the packaging operations undertaken by the workers for compliance to production requirements. Check products for proper packaging such as labelling and date coding in order to ensure …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Automated Process Control skill
Operate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Chemical Experiments skill
Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Quality Audits skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Sensory Evaluation skill
Evaluate the quality of a given type of food or beverage based on its appearance, smell, taste, aroma, and others. Suggest possible improvements and comparisons with other products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPlan Shifts Of Employees skill
Plans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSelect Adequate Packaging For Food Products skill
Choose the appropriate packages for food products taking into account attractiveness and suitability of the package. Use proper packaging for sending it safely and at a reasonable cost. Have awareness …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdapt Production Levels skill
Adapt current production levels and strive to improve the current production rates looking for economic gains and margins. Negotiate improvement with sales, dispatch and distribution departments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvocate For Consumer Matters In Production Plants skill
Conduct regulatory oversight activities inside plants in matters relating to areas of consumer matters, e.g. misbranding, consumer protection, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Ergonomics Of The Workplace skill
Assess ergonomics of the workplace in relation to the human resources.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Food Samples skill
Assess samples from a range of sources to draw analyses. For example, microorganisms detection, chemical analysis, and parasitological analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Nutritional Characteristics Of Food skill
Assess nutritional characteristics of food for human consumption for a better healthy diet.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Shelf Life Of Food Products skill
Assess the shelf life of food products in a range of storage and packaging conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Training In Environmental Matters skill
Perform staff training and ensure all members of the workforce understand how they can contribute to improved environmental performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck The Quality Of Raw Materials At Reception skill
Check the quality of raw materials by assessing its taste, smell, colour, or any other characteristic depending on the product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Briefing Regarding Products skill
Collect a comprehensive brief from internal and external customers regarding specific product requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConfigure Plants For Food Industry skill
Design plants configuration, including sources and equipment for the food industry so that they can be readily adapted to suit the product range and the process technologies involved. Take environmental …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Launches Of New Food Products skill
Coordinate launches of new food products. Run trials alongside with product development.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDetect Microorganisms skill
Use various laboratory methods and tools such as gene amplification and sequencing to detect and identify microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in soil, air, and water samples.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Laboratory Manuals skill
Follow laboratory manuals, documents with industry jargon, phrases and diagrams, allowing a quality controller to easily read and interpret these documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFood Plant Design skill
Contribute to food plant design by assessing the processes, facilities and equipment needs, including monitoring activities and control.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalImpart Training On General Quality Management Supervision skill
Provide training to production employees, in groups or individually, on standard operating procedures, product specifications, visual quality inspection criteria, production controls, formulas and food safety procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Silo Systems skill
Inspect silo systems to minimise any harmful emissions during their use.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Food Laboratory Inventory skill
Monitor stocks of food analysis laboratories. Order supplies to keep laboratories well furnished.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Communications With Food Industry Governmental Bodies skill
Managing communications with regulatory authorities for the food industry for all aspects of food safety, limits on potentially hazardous ingredients, labelling requirements and legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Packaging Development Cycle From Concept To Launch skill
Manage the packaging development cycle from concept to launch in order to ensure compliance with financial, operative, and commercial variables.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Scale-Up Experiments For Manufacturing Of Products skill
Manage scale-up processes and experimentation in the development of new products or the improvement of existing ones and subsequent transfer to main plant.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Ingredient Storage skill
Monitor ingredient storage and expiry dates via weekly reporting leading to good stock rotation and reduction of waste.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor The Production Line skill
Monitor the production line for problems such as pile-ups and jams.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalParticipate As Observer In Different Types Of Audits In The Food Sector skill
Participate as an observer in audits for efficiency, safety, environmental, quality, and food safety on a regular basis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalParticipate In The Development Of New Food Products skill
Participate in the development of new food products together within a cross-functional team. Bring technical knowledge and perspective to the development of new products. Perform research. Interpret results for food …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Food Safety Checks skill
Carry out food safety checks in order to assure compliance with requirements, regulations, and other good food manufacturing practices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Microbiological Analysis In The Food Chain skill
Perform analysis to detect different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, moulds and yeasts in the food chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Physico-Chemical Analysis To Food Materials skill
Performs a range of physical and chemical analysis to food materials in order to assess their quality.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Food Labelling Expertise skill
Provides food labelling expertise in the collaboration with government, company divisions, and other stakeholders on compliance related questions regarding products and labels.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalResearch New Cooking Methods skill
Assess new cooking methods by undergoing research activities in order to develop or improve food technological processes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalResearch New Food Ingredients skill
Assess new food ingredients by undergoing research activities in order to develop or improve foodstuffs.
Course recommendations coming soon.