Faith Elwood – CAFRE student profile

Hi, my name is Faith Elwood and I live near Downpatrick, Co. Down. I am a past student of Down High Grammar School. I began studying BSc Food Technology in 2020 after completing my A levels. I have just returned to complete my final year after a very busy year on placement in Mash Direct. During my second year I secured this scholarship, this offered both financial support towards my studies and a 1-year paid placement.

During my time on placement, I worked within the technical department. In my role as a Quality controller, I played a key role as a tester and gate keeper of product quality and safety. I was primarily based on the factory floor where I verified the completion of CCP checks in addition to several other quality checks to ensure that food is safe, legally compliant and produced to a high-quality standard. I also was involved in customer audits, EHO visits which gave me a huge insight into the role and allowed me to see what must be done to satisfy customers.

As part of my course, I had to undertake a project for the business, this involved me re writing Standard Operating Procedures within the company this was a huge responsibility as these documents are what auditors and customers review as well as the basis for staff training. I then investigated if these updates and updates in training helped efficiencies within the factory. It was interesting to see the link between better trained staff and efficiencies in production.

I also got to leave the factory on occasion to help with events and trade events it was great to get out and see what customers thought of our product. It really opened my eyes to see how much time and effort is spent in the preparation and marketing of

these events. It was also great to see the behind the scenes of event like Balmoral show and the Belfast Half Marathon.

The practical nature of Loughry’s courses certainly helps students like me ‘hit the ground running’. As a result, Loughry students are highly sought after by the food industry for both placement opportunities and graduate employment.

Studying at Loughry has not only developed my technical and business skills but those all important interpersonal and communication skills have also improved. The food industry has lots to offer graduates with the right qualifications and experience and I am really looking forward to a rewarding and exciting career once I graduate in June.