DT Food

Welcome to Careers in Food Preparation and Nutrition

Why study Food Preparation and Nutrition?

At St Marylebone, Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. It encourages learners to cook, and enables them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition.

What kind of careers can Food Preparation and Nutrition prepare me for?

It is not just for the love of food! The food and hospitality industry is one of the largest employment sectors in the UK. Becoming a chef is just one of an incredibly vast choice of potential career paths.

Potential career paths include: dietitian, food technologist, food stylist, food photographer, nutritionist, caterer, food buyer, marketing, restaurant designer, food lawyer, craft brewer, food product developer, master baker, ecologist, packaging designer, production manager, soil microbiologist.

And that's not all! Here is a link to even more jobs in the food and drink industry: https://tastycareers.org.uk/job-descriptions

Hear from some employees whose careers are inspired by a love of food

Production Manager at a herb growing company

Dietitian for the NHS

Food Technologist

What do students say about the course?

"Food and nutrition is the perfect mix of science and creativity. Lessons are always fun, giving you the chance to expand your knowledge of not only how food is made but the science behind it. It teaches you adaptability and skills that help you cater to all audiences whether it be vegan or vegetarian. My personal favourite aspect of DT Food is the fulfilling feeling of when you make something you've never made before and it turns out successful! From breads to sweet treats we make anything. The class itself has a great working environment and it's honestly loads of fun working with friends and being creative together."

Kyrah, Year 11

"I chose Food and Nutrition as one of my GCSE subjects because cooking is a passion of mine and not only do you get to learn how to make different kinds of food and improve your technical skills but you also learn so much about why different foods react the way they do when being cooked, where foods are from and the nutrients they provide. Food and Nutrition is such an interesting and fun subject as you get to expand your knowledge so much and learn lots of new things. If you are thinking about taking DT Food as a GCSE subject you should definitely go for it because you will have such a great time."

Priya, Year 11

What could I study 16+?

6th Form colleges: Level 3 Food & Nutrition

Apprenticeships: meat & poultry; abattoir worker; butcher; baker; fishmonger; supply chain operator; food & drinks engineer; brewer; advanced dairy technician.

Vocational: food & beverage; service; professional cookery; sustainable commodities; baker; patisserie; butcher; food waste management; hospitality supervisor; confectioner.

University: Food Science degrees are popular in the UK, and many exist, each with their own focus. On graduation from university Food Science degrees are valued by employers in the industry. Here is are just a few:

BSc Nutrition & Food Science; Food science & microbiology; Food Science & Technology; Biochemistry with industrial experience; Food & Consumer Science; Food Nutrition & Well-being; Herbal Medicine; Pharmacology (B210); Medicine; International Food; Hotel & Event Management; Precision Livestock Foundation Degree; Health & Nutrition; Sport Coaching & Exercise; Science Ecology & Conservation; Sport Health & Social Welfare.

Degrees in Food Science

The Changing Food Industry

Labour Market information:

The food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the country, employing 4 million people and generating around £121 billion annually. Some studies suggest that growth in the sector is key to overcoming the economic consequences that Brexit may bring. A 2020 report by the Food and Drink Federation states that 140,000 new recruits will be needed by 2024 to feed an increasing population and to meet market demands. Click on the link below to explore a range of food related careers.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zvty7nb/jobs-that-use-food-and-nutrition/1

Video to show Hospitality Career Opportunities

A number of high profile London restaurants and bars discuss the enjoyment they get from the industry and the realities of work as well as the different roles available.

Questions to a senior chef who acts as an advisor to London restaurants

Are there Apprenticeship pathways into Food/Hospitality?

Of course, these are very common and they are at all levels and across a multitude of disciplines. Take a look at the video linked on the icon displayed and explore the Amazing Apprenticeship Website for more information.