In response to the launch of BIS’ Get In, Go Far apprenticeships scheme in the UK, Caroline Keohane, competitiveness policy manager at the Food and Drink Federation, says, “There is no doubt that skills are the driving force to a successful industry, and the government’s campaign highlights the importance of skilled apprentices to employers right across the country.

“At FDF, we recognise that growing our industry’s talent pool through apprenticeships is a key priority for food and drink manufacturers.

“That is why our sector committed to double the number of apprenticeships within food and drink manufacturing in 2011/12, but we in fact smashed this target by quadrupling apprenticeships. Building on this pledge, the food and drink industry was chosen as one of the first eight sectors to take part in Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Trailblazers initiative to develop the first ever apprenticeship standard for food and drink engineering.

“Working with government and industry alike demonstrates the value our sector sees in apprenticeships. Companies who employ apprentices gain a valuable staff member with the talent to make a difference to the business, the apprentice gains the confidence, ambition and sense of value which goes hand-in-hand with earning a recognised qualification, inspiring loyalty and the drive to take their career in food and drink further.”