Your views wanted.

The University of Lincoln is offering to provide a closer link with the fresh produce industry on its Foundation Degree course. Following discussions with the Fresh Produce Consortium, the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Animal Sciences has put forward a proposal to include a ‘produce pathway’ in the structure of its Foundation Degree. This will allow individuals and companies within the fresh produce industry the chance to clearly identify the value and relevance of this qualification to themselves.

To gain validation from the University to run this ‘produce pathway’, the Faculty needs to gather an indication from the fresh produce industry of potential interest and an estimated number of learners that companies might provide for this route. There is also a proposal to introduce a further subject route in hygiene. Core units are shared with other routes but this specialist route addresses the growing need for skills and knowledge of potential or existing managers in the fresh produce sector.  If there is sufficient interest then the Faculty intends to start in January 2012.

There are presently two core routes for the foundation degree:

Food Manufacture (Process and Business Improvement)

Provides students with a broad knowledge of food manufacturing management; designed specifically for Manufacturing and Processing Managers who require expert knowledge of food factory processing, automation and manufacturing management techniques. Successful completion of this programme and the bridging course provide access to the BSc (Hons) Food Manufacture (Quality Assurance and Technical Management) at Level 3.

Food Manufacture (Quality Assurance and Technical Management)

For those working in the technical functions of Quality Assurance, New Product Development and related roles who are seeking to develop careers within technical management, meeting challenges of changing consumer preference, legislation and retailer pressure. Successful completion of this programme and the bridging course will provide access to the BSc (Hons) Food Manufacture (Quality Assurance and Technical Management) at Level 3.

If you are interested in placing learners on the produce route then please contact Sharon Green, Employment Engagement Manager, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Animals Sciences, The National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT, tel: 01406 493000; email: shgreen@lincoln.ac.uk

The Campus would also like to hear from any companies who would be interested in sponsoring learners on existing or new pathways and in relation to new routes, any company feedback on the proposed unit content would be welcomed. Contact infor@freshproduce.org.uk