| SFDF-bringing schools and industry together |
By: Rebecca Hubbard
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Posted: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 2:11 pm
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Today the Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF) will be bringing together school teachers, lecturers and students with food and drink manufacturers from all corners of Scotland for an event to showcase SFDF’s ‘A Future in Food’ programme.
‘A Future in Food’ is an innovative national programme designed with the aim of inspiring and encouraging young people to think about a career in the food and drink industry. With careers opportunities in food science, engineering, finance, IT, and many more, ‘A Future in Food’ works closely with both teachers and food companies to broker long term partnerships and give young people skills, real life experiences and a better understanding of opportunities whilst supporting and demonstrating the industry’s broader relevance within the Curriculum for Excellence. It is designed to ensure there are clear connections between what they learn at school to courses, qualifications and employment and career opportunities in the food and drink industry.
To support the programme, SFDF has produced a series of films and case studies with the help and the contribution of many young people employed in or aspiring to join this vibrant sector. These are now available to food companies, careers advice professionals, schools, colleges, universities and training providers across Scotland, as a resource to help them in promoting the industry as a career destination of choice.
SFDF Director, Flora McLean explains: “We think that if we can work with schools, we can show young people how an interest in business studies, marketing, engineering or IT, for example, can be linked in with the food and drink industry. This, in turn, supports teachers because the experiences companies are able to provide fits in with Curriculum for Excellence.
“A Future in Food has been established to encourage young people to think about the food on their plates…. How is it produced? Where did the ingredients come from? How does it get to consumers? What type of skills are required? … and, in doing so, raise awareness of the many and varied opportunities available to anyone keen on a career in food.
“Due to the diverse nature of the food and drink industry and themes such as sustainability, ethical trading, new product development and health and wellbeing, there are opportunities for engagement with many subjects including maths, sciences, IT, technology and Home Economics. There are also exciting possibilities for cross curricular activities”.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is a key contributor to the economy and offers many varied and exciting career opportunities for young people. Its future success depends on attracting people with the right skills and qualifications to support continued growth.
“The ‘A Future in Food’ programme gives pupils the chance to gain real life experiences in the food and drink industry. The programme fits well with our new approach through Curriculum for Excellence and will enhance learning for young people as they deepen their understanding of food.”
Gerry McBride, Strategic Relations Manager, Skills Development Scotland added: “Skills Development Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with the Scottish Food & Drink Federation to support A Future in Food. The food and drink industry is a priority sector for Scotland, with diverse and rewarding career options for young people. This project will involve a range of partners and is one of the steps being taken to challenge skills gaps and labour shortages in key areas.” |
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