CAPTION: food science graduate Jamie McDonald
We’ve recruited a local science graduate to strengthen the core team that brings you simply clever food.
Dundee-local Jamie McDonald has joined our product development team following a successful placement programme through Abertay University.
We initially welcomed Jamie for a three-month summer placement and have since been so impressed with his talent that we’ve offered him a full-time role as product designer.
The hire is part of our ongoing strategic partnership with Abertay University in which we host paid summer placements for students on the university’s Food and Consumer Science course, as well as providing each intern with £3,000 to fund their studies through a scholarship funded by our employee trust.
Experience
Jamie said: “I was always certain that joining the summer placement programme would provide me with great experience and important skills, but I never thought it would result in me landing a full-time position within the company.
“As I am really interested in the kitchen development side of production, to be given the opportunity to be so heavily involved in such a crucial part of the food creation process is extremely rewarding – I’ve already learned so much.
“The team at Macphie has been really supportive from the get go and have given me all the tools to grow. I’d definitely encourage other students to jump at the chance – it has opened the door to a brilliant career path for me.”
Jamie is working on both current and new Macphie products to support our ongoing commitment to helping our customers comply with guidance and legislation relating to foods containing high levels of fat, salt and sugar. Jamie is also working on sourcing alternative ingredients and recipe reformulation given raw material shortages in the market.
Adding value
Dr Jon Wilkin, Senior Lecturer in New Product Development at Abertay University said: “We have been working with Macphie for a number of years to offer students this fantastic placement opportunity.
“Students studying our BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science programme have the right education and expertise to add great value to the company.
“It’s been great to see Jamie take part in this summer placements and put the theory and skills he has learnt at university into practice.”
Partnered with Macphie, Abertay University’s BSc (Hons) in Food and Consumer Science lasts for four years and teaches students the skills to create and develop food products while ensuring food is healthy, high quality and meets sustainable standards.
Our partnership with Abertay started in 2019 and we have since supported three students.
Mark Duncan, Technical Director at Macphie said: “Since his arrival in the summer, Jamie has added real value to the team here at Macphie – so much so that we were delighted to see him return for good after his initial placement. We’re very glad to have him on board.
“We think it is so important to support the future workforce and nurture young talent as they take their first steps onto the career ladder, just like Jamie has. He will play a key role here at Macphie, working to ensure our product range is HFSS compliant, while retaining its all-important taste.
“We hope that our partnership with Abertay University inspires budding chefs, bakers or even ingredient manufacturers to kickstart their career in the food and drink industry.”
Apply now
Macphie is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship programme. It will be awarded to one third-year student on the BSc (Hons) Food and Consumer Science degree and will involve a summer placement with our team next year and a contribution of £3,000 to the cost of studying. To find out more, or to apply for the scholarship, click here before Friday 2 December 2022.