Testing will take on a new meaning for some 900 pupils this week when it’s their taste buds being put to the test as they take part in a “Feed Your Mind” event to promote careers in the food and drink industry.
The fun-filled event, now in its 7th year, will run from Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 June at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) unique and extensive facilities with GCSE Home Economics and Science pupils exploring how science and technology are used in the industry.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill encouraged pupils to consider a career in the food industry saying: “There are so many tasty career paths for these young pupils from developing new food products to health and nutrition and food business and technology.
“As well as our new Food Innovation Centre at the Loughry campus which offers state-of-the-art facilities, our courses, which go up to degree level, deliver highly skilled potential employees and managers for our local food and drinks processing businesses.
“In addition, our agri-food sector is the most resilient part of our local economy and these students could have a key role in helping build on that and securing a brighter future for themselves and the economy,” the Minister added.
During the event the Year 11 pupils, from 40 schools across the north, will also hear about the importance of colours, food nutrition, packaging and labelling. They will learn about the microbiological and chemical testing of foods, see how chocolate and ice cream are manufactured and have their taste buds tickled in new product development.
