Technical food specialist

From mechanics to microbiology

Almost all food products today are produced industrially. This requires a lot of knowledge. Technical food specialists must be familiar with raw materials, recipes, machines and the final product. It is a multi-faceted and responsible profession.

Most of the modern food products are made on large industrial lines. This means that a technical food specialist must have technical understanding and skills. He or she does not only have to set up and maintain the machine but also control and monitor the production processes. Therefore, physics and mechanics are on the curriculum as are environmental protection and packaging technology.

Working with natural products

Microbiology and food chemistry are important parts of the training as well because food products are different from other industrial goods. Their raw materials are natural and never completely identical. In order to be able to adjust a line to the optimal parameters, technical food specialists must know the effect that deviations may have on the final product. This is important for producing the right quality. By the way, controlling the right quality is also one of the tasks of food technicians.

A multi-facetted job with good prospects

During the apprenticeship, technical food specialists learn how to produce various food products: from the processing of milk to the production of confectionery products and beverages. In this way, they gain experience that can be applied in many areas. Technical food specialists are in high demand. After completion of their apprenticeship many opportunities for a good and varied job are available.

PROCEDURE, APPLICATION AND CHANCES

What are the requirements?

Secondary school qualification with good grades in natural sciences (maths, biology and chemistry). Suitable applicants are selected after the conclusion of personal interviews.

What do we expect?

  • interest in natural sciences and maths
  • interest in production processes
  • understanding of technical processes
  • knowledge of data processing
  • commitment and ability to work in a team
  • reliability

Vocational training overview

The vocational training takes place within the scope of a dual system; this means in the company and the vocational school. Education at the vocational school takes place in lesson blocks.

Training in the company comprises the following fields:

  • production of dry products
  • production of butter fat
  • puality assurance/laboratory
  • plant hygiene and operating technology
  • packaging and storage

How long does the vocational training take?

3 years        

The following two exams are required by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce:

  • midterm exam (theory and practice) in the second year of the vocational training
  • final exam (theory and practice) at the end of the vocational training period

Where is my vocational school?

Vocational school address for apprentices in Uelzen:

BBS III Lüneburg
Am Schwalbenberg 26
21337 Lüneburg

Vocational school address for apprentices in Ratzeburg:

Walther-Lehmkuhl-Schule
Roonstraße 90
24537 Neumünster

What opportunities are available for training and further education?

Following their final exams and a year of experience on the job, technical food specialists may continue their education to become an industrial master craftsman for food or a food technician.

If you have a high school graduation (Abitur/Fachhochschulreife) you can also study food chemistry or food technology for example.