FDF stand proves popular at fair
UK food and drink companies gathered to educate and inspire students to consider careers in food and drink manufacturing at the Big Bang UK Scientist and Engineers Fair held last week.
PepsiCo UK, Mars UK, McCain Foods, Mondelēz International and United Biscuits offered a range of interactive activities to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) organised industry hub. Industry automation FDF professional affiliate members and stakeholders Festo, Omron and Siemens also exhibited at the stand.
Senior MPs including Defra minister of state George Eustice and the prime minister’s apprenticeships advisor Nadhim Zahawi both visited the stand and spoke with apprentices and their colleagues about careers in the industry.
Eustice says, “The government has committed to trebling the number of apprenticeships in food and farming to offer a bright future for our young people. Food manufacturing is a bigger industry than cars and aerospace combined and food and farming generates over £100 billion for our growing economy. Ensuring our food businesses can thrive is central to the government’s long term economic plan.
“There are lots of opportunities for young people in this industry and I want the food sector to be a top destination for high flying graduates and apprentices. We are already seeing more skilled workers enter the industry – rising faster than other areas of manufacturing.”
Zahawi adds, “Apprenticeships are the best way to meet the growing skills need in the food and drink manufacturing sector; as well as offering an incredible opportunity to earn a wage, gain real work experience, develop skills and earn a qualification.
“Speaking with apprentices from the food industry at the Big Bang Fair, it is clear that these young people have embraced that opportunity and have bright careers ahead of them.
“I really welcome the fact that employers from this industry are leading the charge and working together to deliver the apprenticeship growth that both the sector and the country need. The government is committed to trebling the number of apprenticeships in this industry, and it’s great to see these opportunities are being showcased to the next generation.”
