Rural & Local Food Economy
The Rural & Local Food Economy sector is very broad and can include positions that closely border, or feature within, other areas such as agriculture, hospitality, and even science and pharmaceuticals for more technical roles.
The agriculture and hospitality industries are vital parts of the Rural & Local Food Economy and those who take up jobs in these areas can expect anything from practical, hands-on and physically demanding jobs to consultancy work and management positions.
Example Job Profiles
The following profiles are intended for reference only to offer an example of the type of positions available within this sector, along with a brief description and a starting salary.
Entry-Level: Baker
Average Annual Salary: £19,000 – £26,000
Description: A baker often creates baked goods for organisations and establishments. These may vary in size, along with the variety of products. They may be specialist and artisanal or worked in batches for large events.
Requirements: You could start as a trainee or a bakery assistant, do an apprenticeship, which often requires English and Maths GCSEs, or a college course such as Level 2 Certificate in Bakery.
Mid-Level: Chef
Average Annual Salary: £22,000 – £40,000
Description: Chefs prepare, cook and present food in hotels, bars and restaurants. The Role can very depending on the establishment, but is often in a fast paced and often stressful environment where skill and creativity combine in a customer service role.
Mid-Level: Food Scientist
Average Annual Salary: £20,000 – £45,0000
Description: A food scientist / technologist works in food production. Tasks can vary but might include coming up with new types of food and flavours. To do this they will make prototypes of the food, but also test it is fit for human consumption. The technologist will need to think about nutritional value and safety and quality standards.
Senior-Level: Consumer Scientists
Average Annual Salary: £19,000 – £50,000
Description: Consumer scientists study why people use or buy products and services, and give advice to retailers and manufacturers. Roles can include researching consumer trends and liaising with manufacturers or communicating with associations and groups on food health, job recruitment and product information, you could work in a laboratory, in a university or in a office with varying areas of research and information publishing.
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