Meet Carys Parker
“Every single day, I learn something new – I’ve never been bored once in six years.”
Job Title: Quality Control and Process Lead
Company: TasteTech
Degree: BSc Food Science and Technology (Degree Apprenticeship, Nottingham Trent University)
From Science Experiments to Flavour Innovation
Carys Parker didn’t always know where her future would lead. Torn between engineering and science at school, she was drawn to the hands-on, experimental nature of science and especially its ability to be creative without needing to invent ideas from scratch.
“I liked being creative through experiments – there was room for things to go right or wrong and you learnt either way. That was exciting.”
A-levels in Applied Science and Double Engineering, together with Core Maths kept both options open. But it wasn’t until a chance conversation at home that her career trajectory took shape and flavour became the focus.
How It All Began
While still in sixth form, a family friend mentioned a lab technician role opening up at TasteTech. Carys reached out and within weeks, she’d landed the job.
“I didn’t even know how to get into the industry, but that conversation got me in the door.”
Originally hired as a lab technician, her passion and curiosity quickly stood out. Soon after starting, TasteTech offered her a new opportunity: a degree apprenticeship. The company had never done one before and Carys would be their first.
“I didn’t want to go to university full-time, but this was the perfect mix: I could learn, work and grow at the same time.”
Studying and Working: The Apprenticeship Experience
Carys completed her BSc in Food Science and Technology through a degree apprenticeship with Nottingham Trent University, while working full-time.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the best. The skills I gained in those four years put me years ahead.”
From time management and teamwork to handling real lab and production challenges, the experience helped her build confidence across every area of the business.
What Does a Quality Control and Process Lead Do?
Carys now leads TasteTech’s quality control team, responsible for ensuring both raw materials and finished products meet strict standards.
“My role is hands-on and fast-paced. We deal with real-time quality issues, factory processes, stock control and traceability.”
She works closely with purchasing, production, technical managers and even sales – coordinating responses when issues arise, from colour changes in materials to potential flavour inconsistencies.
“No two days are the same. We’re tasting, troubleshooting, problem-solving and learning all the time.”
Food Science in Action
Carys sees her work as core to food science, especially when it comes to accurate testing, method development and supporting new product development.
“Even though I’m not a flavourist, I contribute to flavour creation. We taste and test raw materials every day – our feedback helps refine products.”
That collaboration with flavourists is a highlight: “They bring the creative chemistry and we help ground it with practical insights. Together, we get things right.”
Building Analytical Muscle
From fixing lab equipment to troubleshooting test methods, Carys’ analytical skills have grown enormously.
“I’ve learnt how to read manuals, call servicing teams and work out problems under pressure. That confidence only comes from doing.”
In a lab setting where repeatability and consistency are critical, she’s developed the resilience and technical skills needed to stay calm and focused, even when things go wrong.
For Carys, what makes the job special is the variety and energy of the work and the tight-knit, team-driven culture at TasteTech.
“Some days we’re solving flavour puzzles; other days we’re reacting to real-time factory issues. But everyone’s working towards the same goal.”
She particularly enjoys seeing and tasting such a wide range of flavours and being part of a company where every department overlaps and collaborates.
Looking Ahead
Her career could go in several directions from technical, operational or even management and she appreciates that freedom.
“If you speak up about where you want to go, TasteTech supports it. I don’t know my exact path yet, but I’m excited to keep learning and see where I land.”
Advice for Future Food Scientists
“Get involved in the factory. Talk to people on the ground. That’s where you’ll learn the most.”
Carys credits her on-the-floor experience with giving her a deep understanding of how everything connects, from development and QA to production and customer delivery.
“Production is where all the secrets are. That’s where you really learn what makes a product work.”
Could Flavour Be Your Future?
Carys’ journey shows how a hands-on role in food science can open the door to a dynamic, rewarding career. Whether you’re passionate about science, detail-driven or simply love a challenge, there’s a place for you in the flavour industry.
Developing analytical skills
Hear Cary’s take on developing strong analytical skills as a Quality Control and Process Lead.
In this video she explains how curiosity, precision and problem-solving shape her daily work and keep product quality at its best.
