Explore Food Processing Careers At GCC

Batavia, NY - Genesee Community College's Career Services Center invites people considering a career in Food Processing to come to the Batavia campus for a Career Exploratory Event on Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 12 noon – 2 p.m. It will be held in the William W. Stuart Forum.

GCC is launching a new associate in applied science degree this fall in Food Processing Technology. The program meets the increasing demand for skilled workers in Western New York's food manufacturing industry. There are more than 600 food-related manufacturers in the region.

"We've invited a number of these companies to come to campus to talk to prospective employees," said John McGowan, Career Services Center Coordinator at GCC. "They're looking for people with these skills. We also want students to see the great opportunities available to them in this industry."

The Career Exploratory Event is geared toward current students, alumni and community members interested in learning more about the career pathway in Food Processing Technology. Those who attend will have a chance to talk with companies including Kraft Foods Group, HP Hood, Lactalis American Group (formerly Sorrento Cheese), Muller Quaker Dairy, Creative Foods Ingredients, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Perry's Ice Cream.

GCC graduate Katie Scarborough is now working in the chemistry lab at Muller Quaker Dairy, one of the country's largest yogurt manufacturing plants, and one of two yogurt plants that opened in Batavia last year. "There are a lot of great opportunities available in this field at leading companies," said Scarborough. "They're close to home, offer good pay and benefits, and I like working in a dynamic environment."

In addition, GCC faculty will be on hand to share information about the new Food Processing Technology degree program which begins this fall with FPT 101, an introductory course offered Tuesdays beginning September 22, 2014 from 3:30-7 p.m. Information about the $500 FTP Scholarship will be available. Visitors will also have the last opportunity to play the Fun Food Facts Quiz and Spin the Wheel with each player entered to win the mini shopping basket valued at over $125 of locally produced foods. The game has traveled to many county fairs and festivals this summer, and the final drawing for the winner will be during the Exploratory Career Event.

"We know people are busy," professor Maureen Leupold, GCC director of science said. "We are doing everything possible to make our new FPT program accessible and doable – particularly for adult students who usually juggle many other responsibilities." If you're hungry for a new career, don't miss this chance to get a taste of all the new Food Processing Technology degree at GCC offers.