I’ve always loved food and wanted to work in the food industry, and initially thought I’d be a chef. Whilst doing my Hospitality & Catering GCSE, my teacher introduced me to Food Science as a different way in to food and after doing some research I quickly realized that this was what I wanted to do, and I set my heart on studying Food Science at university. This started with completing my A levels in Chemistry, Biology, History and AS Maths at Henley College.
Whilst I was in my second year of A-levels, I went to a talk given by Sacla’ about Food Science and opportunities to work in this area. It was a perfect opportunity for me – and so I applied for the Food Science Sponsorship that they were offering in association with Working Options. As part of the sponsorship process, I spent a day at the Sacla’ office in Beaconsfield where I gave a presentation on up-and-coming food trends to the MD and Senior Technical & NPD Manager of Sacla’ and a representative from Working Options. It all felt rather nerve wracking at the time!
I was later contacted by Working Options and Sacla’ to say that I’d been awarded the sponsorship and was absolutely thrilled! As well as financial support during my university degree, the sponsorship also included work experience at Sacla’ during the holidays, within the technical & NPD team. This started to give me a real insight into what working within the food industry would be like, and I loved it. Since starting my degree in 2016, I went back to Sacla’ almost every summer and once at Christmas too. Within the Technical & NPD team I worked on a number of diverse projects and products, across everything from Pesto to Panettone. This has helped significantly to build my experience, confidence and understanding of the food industry whilst completing my studies at the same time.
In July 2020 I graduated with a First Class degree in BSc Food Science with Industrial Training. After sharing my results with Sacla’ and Working Options, I was offered a full-time position with Sacla’ which I happily accepted! So since September 2020, I am the Technical & NPD Assistant, and of course I’m extremely happy and excited to have started my career with such a great company.