TU Dublin serves Food Industry Inaugural Certificate in Food Entrepreneurship
Caption: 32 Irish Food Producers attend their induction day at TU Dublin with Dr. Ciara Walsh, Senior Engagement Manager, TU Dublin Enterprise Academy, Dr Kathleen Farrell, Course Coordinator; and Dr. Denise O'Leary, Head of the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology with some of the programme team from the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology. Photo credit: Morgan Waters
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) proudly announces the launch of the inaugural Certificate in Food Entrepreneurship, a groundbreaking programme designed in partnership with the SuperValu Food Academy, to equip aspiring food entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Irish food industry.
This innovative programme is the result of collaboration between the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology at TU Dublin, SuperValu, Local Enterprise Boards, and the TU Dublin Enterprise Academy. The programme exemplifies the successful collaboration between universities and industry partners, addressing skill demands, and creating new career pathways for learners in the food industry.
Discussing the partnership, Dr. Ciara Walsh, Senior Engagement Manager at TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy said, “It has been our pleasure to work with SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office on this exciting endeavour. This academic-enterprise partnership has allowed us to create an impactful educational programme, dedicated to innovation and excellence in food entrepreneurship. We believe this collaboration not only enriches our learners’ individual skillsets, but also supports and grows new food businesses across Ireland.”
Caption: Dr. Ciara Walsh, Senior Engagement Manager, TU Dublin Enterprise Academy, Dr Kathleen Farrell, Course Coordinator, Lecturer in TU Dublin's School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology.; Margaret Connolly, Lecturer; Sheona Foley, Lecturer; Dr. Denise O'Leary, Head of the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology. Photo credit: Morgan Waters
About the Programme
The Certificate in Food Entrepreneurship (TU 5093, 15 ECTS, Level 6) provides food entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skill set and mindset to launch and manage a successful food business. It extends and accredits the successful SuperValu Food Academy Programme, providing learners with essential skills for employment and career advancement in both the food and non-food sectors. 32 Irish Food Producers have joined the programme and will benefit from excellent formal training, practice-based assessment and university accreditation.
The programme kicked off today at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus today as 32 Irish Food Producers join the programme. These professional learners will benefit from excellent formal training, practice-based assessment and university accreditation.
As Ireland’s leading centre of education and innovation for the Food and Drink sector, the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology has educated many of Ireland’s most loved culinary stars. However, we are incredibly excited to see the future stars of the Certificate in Food Entrepreneurship here today. The potential of this programme to create a range of amazing food business is immense, as it combines comprehensive training, industry insights, and hands-on experience. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of food entrepreneurship but also gain access to a network of experienced mentors and industry professionals.
Dr Denise O’Leary, Head, School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Accredited pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs
Food entrepreneurs will acquire the essential knowledge and skills to launch and successfully manage a food business. They will receive support from academic experts and guest lecturers throughout this program. Participants will critically evaluate the stages of their product development journey, focusing on food product and business development and food safety management systems. This will be achieved through formal training, hands-on assessments, and accredited product development and food safety management courses.
“This collaboration between TU Dublin, SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office exemplifies our shared vision of nurturing talent and innovation within the food industry in Ireland. Together, we were committed to creating an accredited pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs, and fostering a supportive ecosystem to grow the next generation of food leaders in this thriving sector, said Dr. Walsh.
About TU Dublin Enterprise Academy
The Enterprise Academy is funded by the Higher Education Authority's HCI Pillar 3, a government programme designed to meet priority skills needs, by increasing collaboration between higher education and enterprise with a focus on innovations in teaching and learning.
We are a multidisciplinary business unit at Robert Ross taking an innovative approach to collaborative talent development for workplace learners. The Enterprise Academy works with enterprises across all sectors and business types to create flexible, scalable, accredited solutions that address sector-specific, cross-sector and transversal skill needs.
