Scottish Food and Drink Federation Launch Scheme to Encourage Careers in Food Industry

Jan 18 2012 --- Highlighting the wide range of career options available in the food and drink industry, everything from science to engineering, is the aim of a Food and Drink Skills Ambassadors Network launched.

Employers from across the food and drink industry will act as inspirational role models as part of a national network set up by the Scottish Food and Drink Federation and supported by the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland. 

 

Acting as the 'face' of the industry, the ambassadors will work with school, college and university students to highlight the variety of opportunities available within this growing and vibrant industry.

 

Companies pledging their support to the network include major employers in Scotland and recognised brands such as Coca-Cola Enterprises, Dean's, Devro, Macphie of Glenbervie, Tunnocks and Uin Foods. Support also comes from the sector skills councils, Improve and LANTRA; Scotland Food and Drink; and STEMNET. The Scottish Panel of the Council of Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) will also provide ambassadors on behalf of the agricultural industry.

 

Speaking at this morning's launch, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, said:

 

“I am delighted to launch the Food and Drink Skills Ambassadors Network to help promote a career in the food and drink industry as a desirable option to young people, using inspirational role models from successful food and drink companies across Scotland and beyond.

 

“During recent school visits, I have been impressed with the number of pupils interested in pursuing a career as a chef. The ambassadors will use their passion and enthusiasm to highlight the wide variety of occupations available in the industry, including less obvious roles such as science and engineering, to make the food and drink sector the career of choice for more young people.

 

“This links with our drive to make sure every child in Scotland has the chance to learn more about the food they eat from farm gate to plate. By investing in future generations and attracting young people to work in the industry, we can help support the growth of the food and drink sector to reach £12.5 billion by 2017.”

 

Food and drink companies have historically had a problem attracting talent, facing tough competition from the finance and energy industries. This has led to the industry experiencing skills shortages in key areas such as food science and engineering. With a turnover of almost £12 billion, it is vital that the sector can sustain and build on this growth by attracting bright, talented people to drive future success.

 

The network aims to turn all these issues around by encouraging young people to take a second look at what job opportunities the industry can offer. Many young people are unaware of the relatively high average pay, opportunities for career progression and the range of diverse career opportunities available in food and drink companies both large and small.

 

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland (SDS), said:

 

“The food and drink industry offers a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities from fish farming to food technologists. SDS acts as a catalyst to support Scotland's key sectors. The network of food and drink skills ambassadors will be inspirational role models who will promote the industry as a career destination of choice.”

 

Flora McLean, Director of the Scottish Food and Drink Federation, said: “The food and drink industry is one of Scotland's success stories. The commitment by food and drink companies to sustain this success by attracting talent is essential and this network will help make this possible. Using existing employees to inspire the next generation brings the industry to life for young people, for teachers, lecturers and career guidance advisers in a way that would not otherwise be possible”.