Student Launchpad Abertay 2026

Welcome

Launch your career in the food sector! Learn more about graduate careers, meet professionals working in the food sector and gain skills to improve your CV and interview technique.

 

Why a career in the Food Sector?
Meet the mentors
Directions to the venue

Programme

10:30 – 11:00

Arrival and Registration

11:00 – 11:10 Introduction and welcome
Dr Jon Wilkin, Abertay University
Robin Leaper, Education and Careers Manager, Institute of Food Science and Technology
11:10 – 11:30 Opportunities in the food sector
David Thomson, CEO, Food and Drink Federation Scotland
11:30 – 12:00 Interactive exercise
Task focussing on interview technique and skills
12:00 – 12:20 Early career perspective
Olajumoke Louis Omifare, Technical Manager, Tiffin Sandwiches Scotland
12:20 – 12:40 Standing out from the crowd - a recruitment perspective
Strathmore Foods
12:40 – 14:30 Food Sector Mentor Networking Lunch
Speed networking tables with mentors from a range of roles in the food sector
14:30 – 14:45 Virtual Factory Tour
14:45 – 15:00 Introduction to IFST - including competitions, awards, events and closing remarks
Robin Leaper

Hosted by:

Abertay University is a public university in the city of Dundee. They offer a range of food science and technology courses.

Sponsored by:

Tiffin Scotland/PJ’s Sandwiches have been proudly serving Scotland since 1996. They achieved BRC Food Safety accreditation in 2003 and continue to produce high-quality food from their purpose built factory in Glasgow.

They supply a wide range of customers including schools, colleges, universities, the NHS, retail outlets, councils, and sporting venues. Their products include sandwiches, pasta salads, salad bowls, hospitality platters, and packed lunch bags. They are proud to source ingredients from Scottish suppliers, supporting local businesses and ensuring the best quality. They also focus on community benefits and sustainability, with ongoing work to reduce waste and promote healthy living.

In 2025, PJ’s Sandwiches became Tiffin Scotland, joining the Tiffin Sandwiches Group to bring fresh ideas and even more opportunities for growth across the nation.