Jill Barratt – CAFRE Alumni
Jill Barrett from Dungannon first completed a BTEC National Diploma in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology before graduating from College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Loughry Campus with a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology in 2017. Since then, she has had a very successful career in the food industry with Linden Foods.
What course did you study at CAFRE?
After I completed my GCSEs, I enrolled on the BTEC National Diploma in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology at CAFRE. After successfully completing the two-year programme, I progressed on to the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Technology. The Honours Degree is validated by Ulster University and offers a combination of theoretical teaching and practical application.
Describe you career history since graduating from CAFRE in 2017.
Whilst I was completing my qualifications at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, I spent my placement year at Linden Foods working as a Quality Controller within the company’s Technical Team. I was successful in securing a place on the Linden Foods Graduate Programme following graduation. As part of the Graduate Programme, I had the opportunity to gain experience in several different areas of the business including the Operations, Planning and Technical departments. This experience gave me a very valuable insight into the business. During the final stages of the Graduate Programme, I joined the Retail Technical Team as a Compliance Supervisor. I then progressed further to undertake the role of Systems and Compliance Technologist before moving to my current role.
What is your current job role and what does this involve?
I now work as a Food Safety, Integrity and Quality Manager. I lead the development and effective implementation of the company’s Food Safety and Quality Management system at the retail site in Dungannon. This involves ensuring that the site is compliant with all customer and legislative requirements. I am also responsible for leading customer audits and third-party audits for this site. I manage, coach and develop the site’s Quality Assurance Team and provide technical guidance, training and support to other departments across the business to drive continuous improvement.
What attracted you to a career in the Food Industry?
I have always a strong interest and curiosity about where food is sourced and how it is produced. Whilst completing my GCSEs at school, I heard about CAFRE and the range of programmes they offered. This is when I knew that this was the study route I wanted to take as they were so many interesting careers opportunities available.
How did studying at CAFRE prepare you for a career in the Food Industry?
During the six years I was enrolled on food programmes at Loughry Campus, I studied a very wide range of relevant, current and interesting subject areas which gave me a strong knowledge to prepare me for a career in the food industry. I also developed many important skills that have helped me succeed. I have used much of the knowledge and skills I gained during my studies in the workplace and been able to apply a lot of what I learned through project work in my day-to-day roles.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
No two days are the same. Every day is different within the Technical Team – one day I could be providing guidance to the Operations Team and another day I could be involved in product trials and new product development. I enjoy the challenge and variety that my career offers me.
What next?
The next step for me would be progressing to a Technical Management role which I would be keen to do within the next few years should the opportunity arise.
What advice would you give a school leaver considering study at CAFRE?
If working in the agri-food industry interests you, I encourage you to look at the further and higher education courses available at CAFRE. My experiences of CAFRE were brilliant. From the support you received from lecturers, to the friendliness of all the staff on campus, through to the excellent connections CAFRE has with employers – if you study at CAFRE you’ll be on the right path to finding a great career in the agri-food industry.