09/06/2026
🌟HLA Spotlight – Catherine at WD Meats, Coleraine
Catherine Richmond is completing a HLA in Food and Drink Manufacture at Loughry Campus while working as a Quality Assurance Technician with WD Meats.
Based mainly in the lab, Catherine plays a key role in quality assurance, carrying out a range of checks across the production processo finished product, including microbiological testing, swabbing, pH testing, and monitoring food safety controls such as temperature, metal detection and PPE compliance. Catherine particularly enjoys the practical nature of the HLA and the opportunity to broaden her experience across the industry.
🗨 Catherine says “I have enjoyed the practical lab work and learning from lecturers, as well as seeing how the industry has progressed. The HLA has allowed me to learn while earning, develop my skills, and gain the confidence to make decisions and speak up when something is wrong.” 🗨
With a strong interest in the farm-to-fork process, Catherine hopes to progress her career further in conjunction with completing the HLA, potentially moving into auditing or continuing her work within a lab environment.
If you would like to earn while you learn like Catherine, WD Meats are currently recruiting for a Higher Level Apprenticeship starting in September 2026.
For more information and details on how to apply, visit https://www.cafre.ac.uk/alumni/job-category/food/
