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Skills, Education and Experience

person in a white lab coat standing in an indoor food growing facility
Source

Skills

  • Ability to communicate technical information clearly
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to analyze
  • Good eye for detail
  • Patience and persistence
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Creativity

Education and Experience

Food technologists are usually required to have completed a two or three-year college program in chemical, biochemical, or chemical engineering technology or a related discipline.

Food technicians are usually required to have completed a one or two-year college program in chemical, biochemical, or chemical engineering technology.

Food scientists are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in food science or a related scientific discipline, such as biology or chemistry as a minimum. However, a master’s degree will increase one’s chances of advancement, and is important for those aiming for senior research or management positions.

Some people enter food science with related college diplomas. However, they are usually limited to food technician positions in the private sector.

Sources: WorkBC Career Profiles [Search Chemical Technologists & Technicians]  and Career Cruising database (Profile for Food Scientist).

Qualifications - Licensing Requirements for Food Technologists & Technicians

Food technologists and technicians can apply for professional certification through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. (ASTTBC).

The following criteria must be met:

  • Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation – completion of an accredited diploma program and two years of industry work experience
  • Certified Technician (CTech) designation – completion of an accredited certificate program and two years of industry work experience
  • One year of the work experience must be in Canada for both designations

Qualifications - Internationally Trained Professionals

If you have equivalent education and work experience in other countries, but have not achieved the required work experience in Canada, you may be granted “Trainee” registration.

For more information:

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. (ASTTBC)

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. (ASTTBC) - Trainee