The Scottish Food and Drink Federation have been awarded £180k from the Scottish Government to fund a national programme aimed at promoting the food and drink manufacturing industry as a career destination of choice for children and young people.
Flora Mclean, Director of SFDF says "This is a significant investment by the Scottish Government, and SFDF is proud to continue to have a central role to play in helping to make the food and drink manufacturing sector a career destination of choice. It is crucial for the industry's future growth and success that we attract an adequate supply of skilled people."
The Food and Drink Industry Schools Challenge will facilitate engagement between industry and schools, providing children with an opportunity to learn about the key sector.
The challenge will be driven forward by a national coordinator whose role will include the delivery of activities, toolkits and further educational materials.
SFDF have already produced their successful careers film 'A World of Opportunities', available to view on YouTube, which highlights a few of these roles and features interviews with leading figures from some of Scotland's best known food manufacturers. This film was also made possible by a grant from the Scottish Government as part of collaborative efforts with SFDF to build upon 'Recipe for Success', Scotland's first national food and drink policy, launched in 2009.
Ms McLean adds "We now plan to roll out a robust programme of activity across both primary and secondary schools. The national programme will be designed to inspire and help school children make the connection between the food on their plates, what they are learning in school and employment in our dynamic industry. With rewarding careers in roles as diverse as engineering, marketing or new product development, our industry really is a world of opportunity."
Through this ongoing programme, SFDF are actively seeking to enthuse pupils about the food and drink manufacturing sector. Currently, the sector employs around 50,000 people in Scotland and has an annual turnover of around £7.6billion. However, the industry has a well-documented skills gap, and it is hoped that the Challenge will lead to the next generation taking up a career in the country's largest manufacturing sector. | 
