Students ‘see inside’ food and drink manufacturing

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced that over 1,600 students, teachers and careers advisors will see behind the scenes of some of Britain’s top food and drink manufacturing companies during October as part of the ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ (SIM) programme.

SIM is a programme run by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in conjunction with organisations such as FDF, which aims to improve the image of manufacturing and inspire young people to consider careers in sectors such as food and drink.

Food and drink manufacturing companies taking part include: British Sugar, Coca-Cola Enterprises, KP Snacks, Mars, Mondelēz International, Nestlè, PepsiCo, Thorntons plc and Wrigley’s.

This year’s SIM activity was kicked-off at Coca-Cola Enterprises’ (CCE) site in Edmonton. Joined by CCE’s executive management team, students from Preston Manor High School explored CCE’s Education Centre, an on-site space which offers student groups subject-related insight into the production process. Students were also given a tour of the cutting-edge production where Coca-Cola is made and bottled and the chance to question CCE’s executive management team on the career path which led them to head up one of the most successful and popular brands in the world today.

Business Minister Michael Fallon says, “See Inside Manufacturing gives young people the opportunity to see exactly how manufacturing works on a day to day basis, dispelling old myths about factories and inspiring the next generation of engineers. So far, the scheme has been hugely successful in doing this, with nearly nine in ten young participants saying they would now think about a career in manufacturing.

“The food and drink industry houses some of the most recognisable businesses in the UK. I’m pleased that these leading businesses across the country have come onboard together with the FDF to open their doors to the public.”

Simon Baldry, managing director of Coca-Cola Enterprises, adds, “Since the launch of SIM by the Government, we’ve established a programme of education initiatives to show our commitment to the development of young people. The programmes have involved opening up our facilities by dedicated staff who are highlighting the career opportunities available across the industry, and providing valuable insight into our business and the wider industry.

Our five UK factory-based education centres have built an excellent relationship with schools across the country, hosting over 20,000 students a year and engaging them with national competitions such as The Real Business Challenge. Through these programmes we are hoping to inspire students into manufacturing and lay the foundations for the country’s future business leaders.”

Melanie Leech, direct general at FDF, adds, “We are delighted that so many students will have the opportunity to learn more about our sector during October. The food and drink manufacturing industry is a dynamic and innovative sector with a wealth of different roles available.”

“There is no doubt that skills are the driving force to a successful industry. Engaging with young people and bringing to life a career in food and drink manufacturing is a key priority for FDF. See Inside Manufacturing, alongside our “Taste Success” careers campaign and the recent launch of the UK’s first MEng Food Engineering, provide great opportunities to inspire the next generation of food and drink leaders to play a part in producing some of the world’s most admired brands.”

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