Imaginative Teaching Resources & Inspirational Career Ideas from the Chilled Food Industry
Christopher Aitcheson
Nuffield Research Placement Christopher is Worth his Salt!
Each year Nuffield Research Placements give over 1,000 gifted students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians (the STEM subjects). The placements allow students to experience the industry first-hand, expand their professional horizons, and help their career prospects after education.
In 2013 CFA member 2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) once again welcomed a student taking part in the scheme. Christopher Aitcheson, an A level student from Retford Post 16 Centre joined the Solway Foods site at Manton Wood, working alongside the Process Development team.
In his short time with the company, Christopher quickly proved he was up for the challenge, with his work on a ‘2 Sisters Sandwich Review’. This research aided the Manton Wood site greatly as it works towards meeting the increasingly challenging Department of Health and FSA Salt target guidelines.
Christopher used his skills to analyse and assess finished products, raw materials and sales data to provide an accurate depiction of how product ranges measure up to the targets. His valuable research has been carried on to complete further work in this field.
Process Technologist Jessica Coyle was Christopher’s supervisor during his time with 2SFG, she said: ‘The Nuffield Research placement has proved to be great for us and great for Christopher. It’s given him an insight into the chilled food industry and will help him to excel in his further education. It has also given 2 Sisters the opportunity to be involved with such a rewarding development scheme for young adults.’
Christopher discovered a keen interest in statistics and analysis following his first experience in the workplace with 2 Sisters Food Group. He recommends this placement to any student interested in furthering their knowledge and developing skills for future in life.
The chilled food sector has a huge variety of roles available across the industry, from technologists to accountants, so Christopher’s interest in finance could see him return to the industry to play a key role in its future development. To hear how a passion for finance shaped the career of the CEO of Natures Way Foods read Susan Barratt’s career path. And you’ll also find more opportunities and career ideas here.