Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology

About this course

Do you want to become a specialist in food processing and production? This course will give you the technical skills and knowledge you need in food science and technology.

You’ll learn how to:

analyse the nutritional content of food
develop new food products
ensure food safety and quality
use food processing techniques
understand food laws and regulations.

This course includes hands-on training to give you real-world experience. You’ll get to:

work in a food science lab
use industry-standard equipment
learn from experienced food scientists
apply your skills in real food production settings.

This certificate qualifies you for positions including:

food technologist
quality assurance officer
product development assistant
food safety auditor.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course can be done as a traineeship. You’ll get technical knowledge through coursework and hands-on experience through paid work. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To enrol as a trainee, you’ll need:
1. a job in a relevant workplace in the same field as your course, and
2. an employer willing to sign a Commonwealth Government ‘Training Contract’ and support your learning at work.
To get started:
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as a traineeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Core units

Unit title	Unit code
Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs	BSBWHS411
Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry	FBPFST4004
Apply the principles of nutrition to food processing	FBPFST4011
Supervise and maintain a food safety plan	FBPFSY4001
Control food contamination and spoilage	FBPTEC4003
Describe and analyse data using mathematical principles	FBPTEC4007
Perform food tests	MSL974020
Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices	MSMENV472

Elective units

Unit title	Unit code
Assess compliance with food safety programs	FBPAUD4001
Communicate and negotiate to conduct food safety audits	FBPAUD4002
Conduct food safety audits	FBPAUD4003
Identify, evaluate and control food safety hazards	FBPAUD4004
Produce acid-coagulated soft cheese	FBPCHE5002
Produce a range of rennet-coagulated cheeses	FBPCHE5003
Produce acid and heat coagulated cheese	FBPCHE5004
Carry out sampling and interpret tests for cheese production	FBPCHE5009
Apply digital technology in food processing	FBPFST4003
Document food processes and supporting procedures	FBPFST4005
Apply food preservation technologies	FBPFST4006
Establish operational requirements for a food processing enterprise	FBPFST4007
Preserve food in cans or sealed containers	FBPFST4008
Label foods according to legislative requirements	FBPFST4009
Apply sensory analysis in food processing	FBPFST4010
Apply water management principles to the food industry	FBPFST4012
Construct a process control chart for a food processing operation	FBPFST5003
Apply food microbiological techniques and analysis	FBPFST5006
Implement and review the processing of market milk and related products	FBPFST5009
Implement and review the production of chocolate products	FBPFST5014
Implement and review the processing of high and low boil confectionery	FBPFST5016
Implement and review the processing of confectionery products	FBPFST5017
Implement and review the processing of fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices	FBPFST5021
Implement and review the production of fermented dairy products and dairy desserts	FBPFST5024
Implement and review the manufacturing and processing of edible fats and oils	FBPFST5028
Implement and review manufacturing of cereal products	FBPFST5030
Monitor the implementation of food safety and quality programs	FBPFSY3003
Supervise and verify supporting programs for food safety	FBPFSY4002
Perform an allergen risk review	FBPFSY4003
Provide accurate food allergen information to consumers	FBPFSY4004
Conduct a traceability exercise	FBPFSY4005
Apply principles of statistical process control	FBPOPR4001
Participate in improvement processes	FBPPPL3003
Manage internal audits	FBPPPL4007
Determine handling processes for perishable food items	FBPTEC4001
Apply principles of food packaging	FBPTEC4002
Apply basic process engineering principles to food processing	FBPTEC4004
Apply an understanding of food additives	FBPTEC4005
Apply an understanding of legal requirements of food production	FBPTEC4006
Participate in product recalls	FBPTEC4008
Identify the physical and chemical properties of materials, food and related products	FBPTEC4009
Manage water treatment processes	FBPTEC4010
Establish process capability	FBPTEC4011
Perform basic tests	MSL973013
Perform chemical tests and procedures	MSL974019
Perform biological procedures	MSL974021
Trial new process or product	MSMOPS401
Use structured problem-solving tools	MSMSUP390
Handle food safely in a retail environment	SIRRFSA001

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Tone Road (Wangaratta)
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit GOTAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider