Food Batchmakers
Food batchmakers set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. This includes candy makers and cheesemakers.
The food batchmaker's job is to set up and operate equipment used to blend, mix and cook ingredients for the food manufacturing process. They prepare food products or ingredients as per pre-determined formulas. This is one of the careers in the food industry, and may also be known as mixers, blenders or batching operators.
Responsibilities of food batchmakers include interpreting formulas, maintaining clean and sanitized workstations, operating and maintaining equipment, recording data for food batches, tasting food for consistency, and following safety and operational protocols. They may also instruct and supervise other workers in the matchmaking process and inspect the final product.
One does not need a specific qualification to become a food batchmaker, although, having a degree or certification in brewing or fermentation science, baking, culinary art, food service, or sanitation can be useful. One should have the technical and math skill needed to use sophisticated kitchen equipment and be eligible for a decent food batchmaker salary.
Like other careers in food, a food batchmaker may need to wear safety and sanitation equipment like glasses and gloves. One usually works at food manufacturing plants or kitchens.
To be successful in the food batchmakers career, one should have coordination, critical thinking, operations management, attention to detail, and active listening skills.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.Voc Food Processing Management
- NSQF Level 2 Industrial Production Worker - Food Processing
Tasks
- Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.
- Observe gauges and thermometers to determine if the mixing chamber temperature is within specified limits, and turn valves to control the temperature.
- Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.
- Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.
- Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors.
- Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
- Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.
- Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.
- Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.
- Turn valve controls to start equipment and to adjust operation to maintain product quality.
Progression Routes
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