University cements strong ties with Central Coast industry
Third year Food Science and Human Nutrition student Grace Motley jumped at the chance to study at the University of Newcastle when she started her journey into higher education.
Ms Motley said the Central Coast’s strong ties with the food industry was one of the major drawcards when she first applied.
Ms Motley made the move from Armidale in 2017 and has lived on the Ourimbah campus for the past three years.
Her hard work was rewarded earlier this year when she gained a 10-week competitive work placement in the Product Development team with Mars Food Australia.
She worked on the Masterfoods cooking sauce range, carrying out sensory and quality assurance tests.
“I absolutely enjoyed working there, it was a dream come true” Ms Motley said.
“I learnt new professional skills and got to see what the industry was like. It cemented what I wanted to do when I graduate,” she said.
Ms Motley is on track to complete her degree at the end of this year and plans to get a job either on the Central Coast or in Sydney, working in the food industry.
“I’d love to stay in the area – there’s so many jobs here in food science,” she said.
This year the University’s Ourimbah campus celebrates 30 years.
Ms Motley said the University’s ties with local industry has helped achieve its longevity.
“So many students here end up working on the Central Coast after graduating; it’s such an easy transition from higher education into the workforce.”
Grace Motley
So many students here end up working on the Central Coast after graduating; it’s such an easy transition from higher education into the workforce
Read more feature stories - 30 years on the Central Coast
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.