A Food Technologist is not a Chef or a Dietician!

Food Technologist are scientists and they’re in demand!

Food Technology is the scientific study of the large-scale production and preservation of foods as well as the development and analysis of foodstuffs in industrial food processing facilities.

Food Technologists apply scientific methods to:

• food selection
• preserving
• processing flavourful and nutritious food
• packaging
• distribution
• hygiene (meeting government standards)

They  usually work behind the scenes in factories manufacturing food products on industrial scale.

3 Areas of Food Technology:

• food microbiology
• food chemistry
• food engineering

Food Technologists fulfil important roles in food manufacturing companies. They’re responsible for quality control, production management and new product development.

What does a Food Technologist do?

• ensure food is produced safely and hygienically
• follow government quality and safety standards
• develop new manufacturing processes
• invent new recipes for foods and drinks
• use newly discovered ingredients
• modify foods to improve them (eg – reduce the fat content for health reasons)
• work closely with product development teams and packaging consultants
• conduct scientific experiments
• create samples
• work with various flavours and textures
• work within budgets
• review sustainability programmes

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science?
• passionate about food production?
• responsible?
• detail orientated?
• methodical?
• patient?

How do I become a Food Technologist?

• UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

3 year National Diploma, BTech and MTech in Food Technology

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science

http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Faculties/science/departments/foodtech/Pages/default.aspx

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/appliedsciences/prospectus/course?i=217&seo=TkQ6IEZPT0QgVEVDSE5PTE9HWQ==

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

http://www.tut.ac.za/Students/facultiesdepartments/science/departments/biofoodandtech/

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

http://www.dut.ac.za/taxonomy/term/56

For more information:

• SAAFoST: South African Association for Food Science and Technology

http://www.saafost.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Pastry Chef or Toxicologist

Is becoming a Food Technologist the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

Pastry Chefs are in demand!

Here’s a finger-licking, sweet job for you!  If you have a passion for food, particularly pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods, then becoming a Pastry Chef may be the job for you.

They are usually employed in large hotels, in upmarket restaurants and in bakeries.

Some Pastry Chefs work on cruise liners – so, this job, could take you to interesting places around the world!

A Pastry Chef can also be called a confectioner.  Some Pastry Chefs may even consider doing extra training so that they can become chocolatiers as well.

The more training you have, the more employable you will become.

What does a Pastry Chef do?

• meeting and discussing details and plans with the head chef
• planning the menus
• designing, making and tasting new dishes
• keeping stock and ordering stock
• preparing the menu dishes, baking breads and making desserts etc
• researching in cookery books and magazines to get inspired
• constantly upgrading training and experience

Are you … ?

• crazy about food and working with food?
• creative?
• a person with a strong personality?
• a person who has a taste for flavours?
• organised?
• a good communicator?
• good with your hands?
• detail orientated?
• a person who takes pride in their work?
• able to work under extreme stress?
• a team player

How do I become a Pastry Chef?

There are different options to take:

Education and Training Colleges (FET) may offer programmes for specific Trade or Skills: eg. Pastry Chef.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

For example: 

• ORBIT FET COLLEGE:

http://www.orbitcollege.co.za/

Private institutions:

• PRUE LEITH:

http://www.prueleith.co.za/article/pastry-chef-courses/#.UFBKViJ4O_0

• CAPSICUM CULINARY SCHOOL:

Offers day courses, part-time and a full time Diplomas in Patisserie
http://www.capsicumcooking.com/courses.htm

• FBI CHEF SCHOOL & PATISSERIE ACADEMY:

Offers a 6 month Diploma in Patisserie and a 1 year Advanced Diploma in Patisserie
http://www.fbichefschool.co.za/full-time-courses/

• SOUTH AFRICAN CHEFS ASSOCIATION:

http://www.saca.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chef and Caterer  

Is becoming a Pastry Chef the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

Other names for Health & Safety Manager:

• Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Manager

What is a Health & Safety Manager?

A Health & Safety Manager is responsible for the health and safety of their employees while they are at work.

A Health & Safety Manager may start their career as a:

• Environmental Officer
• Health and Safety Co-ordinator
• Occupational Hygiene Specialist
• Health and Safety Officer/ Advisor
• Technican ( eg. Workshop Supervisor)

What does a Health & Safety Manager do?

•     inspects the workplace areas, machines and equipment to make sure they are safe
•     develops safety strategies for their company / or industry
•     implements regular testing
•     makes sure supervisors understand safety & hygiene regulations
•     analyses accident situations
•     designs and implements emergency responses and evacuations
•     designs and implements training courses for staff
•     writes reports

Are you . . . ?

•     interested in safety?
•     a creative thinker?
•     a problem solver?
•     responsible?
•     trustworthy?
•     observant?
•     a person with a conscience?
•     a team player?
•     reliable?

How do I become a Health & Safety Manager?

According the SETA CHIETA these are the possible qualification you could consider:

• National Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Health
• National Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Science
• Diploma or Degree in Environmental Health
• National Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in Occupational Hygiene
• Advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health
• Master of Technology in Environmental Health

PATH 1

National Diploma in Environmental Health 

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Mangosutho University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Univeersity of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Health  (BTech)

PATH 2

National Diploma in Environmental Health 

Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Health  (BTech)

Master of Technology in Environmental Health 

Workplace experience

PATH 3

Advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health 

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witswatersrand

PATH 4

Higher Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing Science 

• University of Johannesburg

Master of Nursing Science in Occupational Health 

• Un iversity of Zululand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Registration with Health Council of SA

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Town Planning Technician … or … Mechanical Engineering Technician

Is becoming a  Health & Safety Manager the right career choice for me?

At the moment, the baking industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labour which impacts on productivity and the bottom line.

These means – that becoming a Baker might ensure you have a job at the end of the day.

A Baker works in a bakery.  They bake and sell breads, cakes and similar foods.

The boundary between a Baker and a Pastry Chef have blurred over the past few years, so some Bakers now bake pastries and confectioneries too.

Large bakeries are generally automated so that the role of the Baker has changed to supervising staff who operate the machines and keeps an eye on the whole process.

In smaller bakeries, more work is done by hand by the Baker themselves.

What does a Baker do?

• work from recipes and formulae
• measure ingredients
• make breads, pastries, tarts, pies, cookies, cakes etc
• monitor baking time so that items don’t burn
• manage staff
• order ingredients and keep details of stock
• come up with new products/recipes
• keep up to date with baking techniques and technology
• price items

Are you … ?

• interested in baking?
• a person with a good sense of taste?
• a team player?
• able to read and write?  Can you follow a recipe?
• able to do basic mathematics?
• willing to work unusual hours?  Some Bakers have to get up really early in the morning.
• organised?
• observant?
• slightly creative?
• able to work in a hot environment?
• able to stand for long periods?
• neat and tidy?
• good with your hands and fingers?
• able to do detailed work?

How do I become a Baker?

• ANCHOR BAKERY TRAINING CENTRE:  (Johannesburg) 

Offers many courses on bread making and other baking skills

http://www.anchor.co.za/bakery.php?page=117

All the skills programmes are registered with the Foodbev SETA; and contribute to the National Certificate in Craft Bread and Flour Confectionery Baking (NQF 2).

In addition to the accredited skills programmes, Anchor also offers courses in Baking Theory (Ingredients and Process – 1 Day) and Practical Bread-faults (2 days).

• THE PRIVATE HOTEL SCHOOL:  (Stellenbosch)

http://www.privatehotelschool.co.za/professional-certification-short-courses.html

Offers 6 month courses:  Professional Baking and Pastry

• PRUE LEITH:  (Gauteng)

http://www.prueleith.co.za/course/diploma-in-patisserie/#.T_GlS5Hm4dU

Offers a Diploma in Patisserie (5 Months / Full Time)

• SILWOOD SCHOOL OF COOKERY:  (Rondebosch)

http://www.silwood.co.za/courses/professional-courses/patisserie-diploma/

Part-time certificate in Patisserie

• THE BAKER:  Offers various ways of training to get into this industry

http://www.thebaker.co.za/ad_vol13no1traingoverview08.html

http://www.thebaker.co.za/ad_vol13no11training.html

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chef and Caterer

Is becoming a Baker the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Marine Pilot?

A Marine Pilot does NOT fly planes!

Pilotage is a very specialised job. The main job of a Marine Pilot is to guide the ship in or out of port and as well as control all movements once inside the harbour.

This job can be quite tricky during severe weather conditions.

A Captain navigates a ship while at sea. The Marine Pilot ‘steers’ the ship when greater skill is needed. The Marine Pilot advises the Captain on what course to take and what changes need to be made. It’s a very responsible job.

What does a Marine Pilot do?

• handle a boat or ship while in harbour
• guide the vessel in our out of port
• liaise and advise captain of ship’s movements
• liaise with harbour master
• obey rules and regulations

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about a career at sea?
• very responsible?
• safety conscious?
• a person with good vision?
• a person with good spatial awareness?
• a team player?
• able to deal with stress?
  

How do I become a Marine Pilot?

TETA suggests the following:

You will first need to complete a Certificate of Competence: Deck Officer in charge of watch through SAMSA. You can do this through Transnet School of Ports.

• TRANSNET SCHOOL OF PORTS

http://www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net/OurBusinessUnit/SchoolofPorts/Pages/About-Us.aspx

Once completed you will need to do a Certificate of Competence in Marine Pilotage

Requirements:

• Medically and physically fit (you will be tested)
• Good eyesight
• Good hearing

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Deck Hand (Able Seaman) or Automotive Spray Painter

Is becoming a Marine Pilot right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman)? 

An Ordinary Seaman is usually training to become an Able Seaman. An Ordinary Seaman does not have to ‘stand watch’.  

They generally assist will all aspects of the ship’s maintenance and cleaning while getting trained on-the-job. 

What does a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman) do?

• assist in keeping deck equipment in good working order
• assist with keeping deck tidy and clean
• watch and learn from able seamen
• assist with general maintenance (clean, wash, sand & paint, oil etc)
• assist with packing cargo and goods

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• safety conscious?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman)? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Ordinary Seaman (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (ordinary seaman) you will be required to 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete onboard training and have been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as an Ordinary Seaman by the Master of the ship.

Please note that:

• Qualification along this route serves as one of the alternative pathway to obtaining higher qualification (e.g. to an able seaman or deck officer)
• Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Atuhority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Plumber or Air Cargo Agent

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Wiper)? 

A Wiper has the most junior, but responsible job on a ship. Their main job is to clean engine spaces and machinery. They may also get the chance to help engineers.  

Becoming a Wiper is a stepping stone to more challenging career opportunities in engineering.

What does a Deck Hand (Wiper) do?

• clean engine room
• assist with general maintenance in engineering section
• help other crew members with their jobs
• learn and you earn

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• a hard worker?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Wiper)?

TETA suggests the following:

Certificate of Competence: Wiper (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (wiper) you will be required to 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will also need to complete onboard training and have been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as a Wiper by the Chief Engineer of the ship.

Please note that:

• Qualification along this route serves as one of the alternative pathway to obtaining higher qualification (e.g.to a wiper or engineering officer)
•  Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry.

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Atuhority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Wiper) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Oiler)? 

An Oiler is a junior or entry-level position. Oilers usually work in the engineering section (engine room) of a ship. The main job of an Oiler is to oil all the machinery.

This job’s being slowly phased out because machinery is becoming more technical or computerised and there’s less machinery needing oiling. It is however, a stepping stone to careers at sea. 

Oilers may also help with fuel transfers and will require fire-fighting and first aid training.

What does a Deck Hand (Oiler) do?

• take direction from engineers
• oil require parts of ship’s machinery
• help with fuel transfers
• assist with any other task in the engine room

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• safety conscious?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Oiler)?

TETA suggests the following:

Certificate of Competence: Oiler (SAMSA)

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (SAMSA)
  

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Authority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (oiler) you will be required to 12 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete on-board training and shore-based training and will be assessed accordingly.

Please note:

Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Engineering Officer or Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Oiler) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 

What is an Engineering Officer? 

An Engineering Officer is the person responsible for making sure the ship operates at optimum levels. An Engineering Officer is in control of the administration of the Engineering Department on a ship. The Engineering Officer will report to the Chief Engineer. 

Systems they work on (or specialise in) include:

• electrical and electronic power systems
• lighting
• fuel and lubrication systems
• water distillation
• air-con & refrigeration systems
• hydraulics etc

What does an Engineering Officer do?

• ensure engineering watch is maintained at all times
• comply safety and environmental policies, rules, regulations and laws (local and international)
• in charge of the efficient and economic operation of the ship
• ensure servicing, maintenance and repair of all machinery
• keep stock of spares and stores
• order spares and stocks when necessary
• make sure all alarms and warning devices are properly maintained
• schedule watch keeping, safety and maintenance routines
• make sure all life- saving and fire fighting gear is regularly tested and maintained
• engine room watch kept subject to the requirements of the chief engineer, any company
• monitor engineer cadet training

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• good with your hands?
• interested in engineering?
• mechanically minded?
• responsible & reliable?
• a team player?
• a hard worker?
• able to work in cramped spaces?

How do I become an Engineering Officer? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Engineering Officer in charge of a watch (SAMSA). 

This can be done through the engineering faculties at:

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus/course?i=233&seo=TkQ6IE1BUklUSU1FIFNUVURJRVM= 

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus/course?i=192seo=TkQ6IEVOR0lORUVSSU5HOiBNRUNIQU5JQ0FMOiBNQVJJTkUgRU5HSU5FRVJJTkc= 

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)

Successful completion of S1 and S2 (Certificate in Marine Engineering) will allow you to apply for employment (as a engineering cadet) with a ship-owner or a port authority. This is a one- year study and forms part of the National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering .

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (engineering officer) you will be required to complete an approved cadetship of 30 months (or an approved on-board accelerated training of 18 months) , which comprises practical workshop training and theoretical education (3 additional maritime subjects. You will also be required to pass an oral examination of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

Please note that:

• Alternative pathways (e.g. N4 mechanical engineering) to obtaining the qualification are also available
• Qualification requirements are considerably different for equivalent positions in the fishing industry.

Requirements: 

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science, pass rate of 60 % on standard or higher grade level.
• No colour blindness (You would be required to obtain a vision certificate issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)) 
• Must be able to swim

This qualification is also a past-requirement for scarce skills such as:

• Tug Engineer
• Ship Surveyor
• Naval Architect
• Salvage Engineer

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved cadetships and accelerated training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Deck (Navigation) Officer or Aeronautical Engineer

Is becoming an Engineering Officer right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:

What is a Deck Hand (Able Seaman)? 

The main job of a Deck Hand or Able Seaman is to stand watch on the bridge or at the wheel house.

They help the Desk Officer by steering the ship according to the Desk Officer’s instructions.  

When not ‘on watch’ the Deck Hand will assist with:

• routine maintenance
• painting
• cleaning
• and helping with any other jobs required on the ship

What does a Deck Hand (Able Seaman) do?

• perform ‘on watch’ duties
• assist the desk officer with the running of the ship
• assist with painting, cleaning, routine maintenance etc

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• responsible
• reliable?
• good with your hands?
• a person with good vision?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Able Seaman)? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Able Seaman (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (able seaman) you will be required to 12 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete on-board training and shore-based training and will be assessed accordingly. 

Please note:

Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Authority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Assembler or Engineering Officer

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Able Seaman) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.