Carla applied what she had learned from her UCR course, which included continuous improvement and project management techniques and significant studies of microbiology, whey protein processing, equipment design and cleaning. She also worked in conjunction with internal team members and outside agencies such as chemical suppliers to identify the root cause of the problem.

The results of her research led directly to establishing the source of the microbial contamination and also enabled her to develop a long term solution to the problem. This has increased customer satisfaction, reduced the environmental impact of the product disposal and has saved her employers £400,000 to date.

Carla, who was a student on our graduating Cohort 11, also earned this year’s ‘Eden Student of the Year Award’ from the Society of Dairy Technology for her hard work, dedication and commitment.

She said: “I studied at UCR as a Higher Level Apprentice in Dairy Technology, supported by my company. For my final year dissertation I investigated the microbial contamination of whey protein concentrate during transfer from our Lockerbie site to Denmark for use in food products including baby formula.

“My research enabled me to establish the source of this contamination and to develop a long term solution. This increased customer satisfaction, reduced the environmental impact of product disposal and saved my employers over £400,000!

“The real worth of my UCR degree was that that I acquired knowledge and skills which I could immediately transfer to my workplace. My lecturers had wide experience of the dairy processing industry and I gained relevant practical experience using industry standard machinery and equipment.”