Food engineering degree pioneer Sheffield Hallam University joins NSAFD

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct. 24, 2012 - Sheffield Hallam University, who are pioneering a new engineering degree dedicated to the needs of food manufacturing, has become an official member of The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink – the nationwide network of skills training expertise for food and drink manufacturers.

The University is currently liaising with leading industry representatives in developing the curriculum for the dedicated new food production engineering degree which will open to its first students in September 2014.

The new degree will help provide the industry with engineering graduates with the specific skills and knowledge needed in food and drink manufacturing – skills widely-recognised as crucial to continued industry innovation and growth in the face of intense competition

The University was selected to develop the course in a joint initiative by the Academy and the Food and Drink Federation and with co-investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills through the employer investment fund.

“Formal membership of the Academy cements the excellent partnership we’ve established and the shared goal of providing UK food and drink manufacturing with a steady stream of engineers with the talent and skills to take the industry forward,” said Dr Martin Howarth, head of Sheffield Hallam’s Department of Engineering and Mathematics.

Expertise in the food sector supporting production and process design, packaging and logistics. Bringing together new technologies, new management practices, skills and breakthrough products.

Working alongside a range of businesses, the University has also demonstrated a strong track record in engineering with all engineering courses designed in consultation with leading companies to ensure students have the skills necessary to excel.

“We are delighted to be working so closely with Sheffield Hallam University on the new food engineering degree and feel they have a major role to play in the success of the Academy as a whole,” said Justine Fosh, Executive Director of the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink.

“Our aim is nothing less than to ensure a degree course in food industry engineering gains the same standing among would-be graduates as aerospace or automotive engineering – potentially more so in terms of the impact and job prospects on offer as food is now Britain’s largest manufacturing sector.”