Basic Function

Teagasc seeks to appoint 3 graduates to the Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) Work Ready Graduate Programme for a 12-month placement in major meat processor companies in Ireland.

The Work Ready Graduates will be placed in one of the company partners: ABP Food Group and Ashbourne Meat Processors. Applicants should state a preference of company partner in their application.

The successful graduates will each be offered a 12-month placement within one of two of the participating companies in the MTI technology centre programme. For the duration of their 12-month position, Work Ready Graduates will be employed by Teagasc and based in company premises. They will be assigned to company-specific research and innovation projects that are commercially relevant to the business, where they will have the benefit of a company mentor for the duration of the placement. Graduates will also receive supervision and mentorship from the MTI Management team, and will participate in a training and development programme throughout their 12-month placement.

• The intended start date for these positions is mid-late October 2025.
• The exact location of this 12 month Graduate Programme will be subject to agreement with Teagasc and the Company Partners. 

Background

Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) is a co-funded industry/Enterprise Ireland Technology Centre funded through the Technology Centre programme, and hosted by Teagasc. Established in 2016 as an industry-relevant technology centre, MTI represents a strategic opportunity for Ireland to support the Irish meat sector, to adapt and innovate, in the face of seismic changes such as Brexit, digitalisation and sustainability demands. The centre has five indigenous multi-national core members representing 80% of Ireland’s beef and lamb processing pool. The core members have a combined annual turnover of over €3bn and exports of c€2.3bn and account for 25% of total Irish food and drink exports. These sectors employ approximately 11,104 people directly and 120,000 indirectly. Ireland is the biggest net exporter of beef in the EU and the 5th largest in the world. 

Sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation are core elements of MTI’s Phase II programme. MTI enables the Irish meat sector to deliver across these areas, while also serving to protect regional communities. MTI seeks sustainability solutions for industry in areas like methane reduction, new recyclable materials for packaging and circular economy opportunities. Digitalisation is critical to ensure the future success and viability of the primary meat processing industry. MTI has  developed a roadmap for the sector to support the industry on its digitalisation journey. The centre is continuing to research, publish and inform health policy in Ireland and the EU on the positive health contribution derived from meat consumption. 

The aim of the Meat Technology Ireland Work Ready Graduate Placement Training Programme (MTI WRGP) is to enable graduates to participate in a 12-month work placement in one of the major meat processor companies in Ireland. Part-funded by Enterprise Ireland, the programme matches MTI partner companies with graduates who bring fresh perspectives and up-to-date technical skills. The programme aims to provide graduates with a springboard for a successful career in the food sector

• To undertake a 12-month work placement in one of the major meat processor companies in Ireland.
• To perform industry-facing research work during placement, gaining real world project/work experience.
• To contribute to achieving the research goals of the company.
• Gain first-hand experience of the meat processing industry in Ireland.
• Benefit from Company and MTI Management team mentorship, guidance and supervision.
• Professional development through an MTI-organised training programme.
• To build networks of fellow Work Ready Graduates, Teagasc research staff and industry staff.
• To develop the necessary skills and experience for a future in the food sector and beyond.
• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are commited to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.