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Food technologist

Food technologists develop new products and make sure food is safe, keeps well and is of consistent quality. The lab and the production hall are where they work.

Typical tasks

  • setting up and monitoring production equipment
  • taking samples and checking quality in the lab
  • developing and testing recipes for new products
  • making sure hygiene and safety rules are followed
  • documenting and improving processes

Where people work

Food technologists work in dairies, industrial bakeries, meat and drinks companies, testing labs, food inspection and research.

A good fit if

  • you are interested in how food is made
  • you find chemistry and biology exciting
  • you work carefully and pay attention to cleanliness
  • you like trying out new things

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria there is a Lehre (apprenticeship) in food technology. With the Matura (school-leaving exam), the path leads through an HBLA (higher college) specialising in food or through a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences) in food technology. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Agrarwirtschaft or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufslehre Landwirtschaft (EFZ) or a Fachhochschule.

Lehre
Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
HBLA
Matura focused on agriculture, environment or food. 5 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • HBLA Pitzelstätten
    HBLA, 9061 Klagenfurt, Kärnten
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HBLFA Francisco Josephinum
    HBLA, 3250 Wieselburg, Niederösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HBLA Ursprung
    HBLA, 5161 Elixhausen, Salzburg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein
    HBLA, 8952 Irdning, Steiermark
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is it more about cooking or technology?

More technology and science. It is about producing in large quantities, quality and safety.

How long does the apprenticeship take?

The apprenticeship in food technology usually takes three years.

Is there shift work?

Many production companies work in shifts. In the lab or in development, work is usually during the day.

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