Skills in the Food and Drink Sector
The UK food and drink manufacturing workforce is made up of a broad range of
occupations in production, logistics, sales, marketing and innovation which
require
different skills levels. As the food and drink manufacturing sector becomes
more
productive and highly automated, there is an increasing requirement for highly
skilled workers in management and technical roles. Food and drink manufacturers
have experienced a number of skills gaps in recent years.
In particular, food and drink manufacturers are finding it difficult to recruit
employees with skilled trades such as butchers and bakers, managerial positions
and technical roles including food scientists and technologists who are
responsible for developing new products. With 40% of the current workforce
skilled at
level 3 (A-level standard) or above the future replacement demand for workers
leaving or retiring will require around 45,000 new highly skilled jobs by 2017.
To help tackle these skills challenges FDF is raising the profile of the food
and drink manufacturing sector as a career of choice through its Taste Success
- A
Future in Food campaign. FDF members are also committed to offering more
apprenticeships as well as work experience and internships for future
graduates. The
food and drink sector skills council Improve continues to be a key partner for
FDF
in promoting the industry as an attractive and exciting place to work and
helping companies to secure access to talent for the future.
More information
Last reviewed: 22 Jun 2011