Hospitality workers looking to pivot into new jobs after the uncertainty of COVID-19 are turning to food science at TAFE NSW for careers that deliver security and work/life balance.

Former chef Paul Clyne from Glenwood in Western Sydney made a career switch at 56 without having to leave his beloved food industry. The grandfather had been a chef for 40 years, working in five-star hotels and clubs in England and Sydney.

“I was talking to a laboratory director about switching careers and he told me to look at food science. Right at that time, I saw a Statement of Attainment in Microbiology for Food Safety Auditors come up at TAFE NSW,” he said.

Paul loved the course and continued working while completing a Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology at TAFE NSW Ultimo. He now works full-time at Australian Food Microbiology.

“For a long time, I met people who had changed careers, but I never quite knew how they did it, particularly with a mortgage. But TAFE NSW helped make it possible and fit in both study and work. With the support of my wife Annette and my family, I’m now that guy who changed careers,” he said.

Paul undertakes food inspections and audits for restaurants, bakeries, and other food businesses as well as working in the lab testing food under the microscope for safety, shelf-life, and labelling.

“The TAFE NSW teachers had incredible practical knowledge. I felt comfortable talking to them and asking questions, and it’s great to now be able to give that back to others,” he said.

TAFE NSW Laboratory and Life Sciences Head Teacher Jeanette Ramos said TAFE NSW is the only training organisation in NSW offering a Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology and a Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food).

She said these unique courses provide an excellent pathway for people passionate about hospitality or science who want to transform their careers.

“Our students have often worked in hospitality for a long time and are looking for a change. But they also want to stay in the industry in which they have so much experience,” Ms Ramos said.

“Food science ticks all the boxes for those people and there are some really interesting and rewarding careers.”

Explore hundreds of courses at TAFE NSW and transform your career with life-changing training. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.