The UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers day took place last Tuesday, and with 31 companies looking for young employees, it seems there are plenty of opportunities for graduates.
Although students with an agricultural science degree are highly sought after, food companies were also looking to recruit those studying business, marketing, finance, accounting, HR, IT and science.
It also appears that languages are very important for anyone hoping to work in the food industry. Irish Country Living was told by several companies that graduates who can speak French, Spanish, German or Italian are very employable, something CAO applicants should definitely take note of.
Dawn Meats
Last year Dawn Meats recruited 15 people through their graduate programme, and they are looking for applications again this year. Interns will work in operations, sales, procurement and quality control, and will be based in Ireland or the UK.
According to Dawn Meats HR manager Larry Keena, students with a second language are highly desirable candidates for the programme.
"We are always campaigning on the importance of languages," he tells Country Living.
"Agricultural Science is a great degree, but employees with a language are of huge benefit to any company, especially with the markets we are dealing with. We would give a person with a second language an interview over someone who just speaks English."
If you're interested in applying for the programme, send a CV to
hr@dawnmeats.com. Norbrook
Norbrook is the largest privately owned pharmaceutical company in the world, specialising in the manufacturing of veterinary and animal health products.
The company has manufacturing facilities in four continents, and employs more than 1,500 staff at its three sites in Newry, Co Down.
Irish Country Living understands that, as a growing company, Norbrook is constantly on the lookout for new talent, and it also offers employees the opportunity to work abroad in countries such as the Czech Republic, Australia and Brazil.
"Our recruitment programme has been extensive over the past two years and, as the company continues to grow, there will be ongoing opportunities across all disciplines," explains Louise Kirk, head of personnel for Norbrook.
"We are looking for people with a science or agricultural background." Visit www.norbrook.com to submit a CV.
Kepak Group
Up to 10 students will take part in the Kepak graduate management programme this year, with science, business and engineering students sought to fill positions.
Graduate roles last one year, with a view to permanent employment, and will be based in the midlands, Dublin and Cork.
One of Europe's largest food processing companies, Kepak is divided into three units - Kepak Meat Divisions, Kepak Convenience Foods and AgraKepak International. Positions will be divided between operations and commercial sales. To apply, visit recruitment@kepak.com.
Kildare Chilling
Kildare Chilling Company is one of the most established beef and lamb processing companies in Ireland, and has markets worldwide.
They are looking for agricultural science or business students to take part in their year-long graduate programme, with positions available in procurement, production management, sales and marketing and technical and quality control.
"The programme will take graduates where they want to go," says Seamus Finucane, who works as a manager for Kildare Chilling. "The idea is to train someone who will work for us in the future."
Candidates who can speak French, German, Spanish or Italian are needed for sales. Although a second language is not essential, it certainly would be an advantage.
Five graduates will be employed through the scheme, which begins in June.
To apply, send a CV to david@oreillyrecruitment.ie. Closing date is 23 March and interviews will take place in April.
Irish Country Meats
"We're growing rapidly and on the lookout for new talent," says Ronan Kenneally of Irish Country Meats.
The company's main site is based in Camolin, Co Wexford, but graduates could find themselves working in Liege, Belgium, or a bit closer to home in Navan, Co Meath.
There are opportunities in new product development, quality control, supply chain and sales and marketing.
The Camolin facility employs 250 people and is the location for slaughter, deboning and value added processing.
This site expanded by adding an innovation and discovery centre last year, and 2013 will see upgrades to slaughter and dehorning facilities.
If you are interested in applying, email your CV to careers@irishcountrymeats.com
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