In the Atlantic provinces, the economic significance of this industry is obvious. The food production industry in Canada is comprised of many sectors including poultry, beef, seafood and agrifood, plus a variety of beverage industries including breweries, and soft drink, juice, and water bottling operations. There is a need within the food technology industry for highly trained well-educated graduates to fill the growing number of senior positions at the supervisory and management levels. For this reason, the Marine Institute is expanding its program offering to include a diploma in food technology leading to the bachelor of technology degree. This new degree builds upon the success of graduates from the food production programs currently offered by the Marine Institute.
Graduates occupy senior level positions in Canada's food industry.
All sectors of the food industry across Canada are looking for these types of graduates. The education received in the Marine Institute's food technology programs also prepares graduates for careers with government departments and agencies. Many graduates find work with government laboratories or with the provincial and federal departments that deal with the food industry. For example, Carl Strowbridge, who just completed a food program at the Marine Institute, has started a career as a scientific advisor with the food additives division of the federal Department of Health and Welfare in Ottawa. Students may graduate after three years of study with a diploma of technology and complete the bachelor of technology by Web-based distance education while they work.