Food and Beverage Manitoba

2 N o matter whether you're about to graduate from high school and are looking for career options or are looking to change careers, the process of finding the job that fits your skill set and personality can be challenging to say the least. Consequently, it's critically important to find information sources that provide accurate, in- depth insight into the different careers that are out there – and how they might (or might not) fit you. Our goal at Food and Beverage Manitoba is to provide you with the information you need to gain insight into all the excellent career opportunities that the food and beverage has to offer. This guide is centered around seven job profiles. They will provide a snapshot of the prime career pathways that are available in a dynamic – and surprisingly diverse – industry. Each profile will feature comments from people who are currently working in different areas of the food and beverage industry. Our goal is to provide you with an up-close-and-personal glimpse of why these people chose their job, what they enjoy about it, and how it fits their unique skill set and personality. What Exactly is the Food & Beverage Industry? "It's an industry that connects us all," says Mike Mikulak, executive director of Food & Beverage Manitoba. "It's a complex, diverse industry that provides us with one of the most valuable things in life, sustenance. Yet we often take it for granted." Above all, it's in industry that is incredibly diverse, starting with farms and outlets that grow food ingredients, on up to food processors and manufacturers, companies that market the products and outlets that sell them. "The industry has so much to offer," he adds. "And it's not just working in a factory. Chances are, there's a position that will match your interests. And it won't be just a job – it will offer you an opportunity to tackle issues that are important to you." as you work in the industry. There are just so many great opportunities that are available." The Food & Beverage Industry is Growing Truth be told, the food and beverage industry is one of the fastest growing job sectors in Manitoba. "There are just so many great job opportunities, and those opportunities will increase as the industry continues to grow," Mikulak says. "Jobs range from product development to food safety to business development and more. The jobs are exciting, dynamic and allow you to solve problems. And they are good-paying jobs." Not only that, but being part of the food economy will allow those who choose a career in the field to make a difference. "You can pursue your passion, which might be helping people with their mental or physical health or creating foods that will help people to eat healthier to combat diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity," he says. "There are lots of things you can do to make a difference." It doesn't matter where you're coming from, whether it be high school, another career or another country – the food industry has something for you. "It just has so many eye-opening career paths that you may never have thought of," Mikulak says. "The food industry is an exciting, dynamic sector where you can solve problems, help others – and make a good living doing something you love to do." HOW TO USE THIS CAREER PATHWAYS GUIDE

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