Feeding the future: why UK food companies are betting on apprenticeships

Feeding the nation and driving billions into the economy, the UK food industry is the beating heart of British business, employing over half a million people and contributing over £38 billion annually. From manufacturing and food safety to retail and hospitality, this diverse sector keeps the country fed and at the forefront of innovation. However, behind the scenes looms a pressing challenge: attracting and holding onto the skilled talent needed to sustain its future.

As Sterling Crew, President of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), puts it, “Both [F&B manufacturing sector and hospitality industry] play an important role in providing jobs and supporting livelihoods across the country and feeding our nation. For me the biggest challenge facing the food sector is attracting and retaining talent. There is a national shortage of food scientists and technologists.”

Crew adds, “When I travel up and down the country, I hear the same message: what we need is to attract more food scientists and technologists. Our current position is not sustainable.”

Enter apprenticeships. Once seen as a traditional route into trades, today they represent a modern, dynamic gateway into the food sector. These schemes are equipping a new generation with the hands-on experience, academic knowledge and confidence to drive the industry forwards. For food companies, apprenticeships are not just an altruistic exercise; they offer a genuine return on investment, shaping workforces that are future-proofed and brimming with fresh ideas.

The industry advantage: boosting skills and innovation

For businesses navigating a sector that demands precision, adaptability and technical expertise, apprenticeships are proving to be a lifeline. Fera Science Limited (Fera), a leader in environmental and food safety science, is one such organisation that has woven apprenticeships into the fabric of its talent development strategy.

Philippa Hobby, Fera’s Head of Learning & Development, explains: “Since introducing the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship in 2011, we have harnessed new talent, on-boarding and progressing apprentices to help Fera develop its next generation of scientists. Fera continues to support and encourage its staff to achieve their best potential through our apprenticeship programmes in science and corporate roles, further demonstrating our commitment to developing the occupational standards at national level.”

Fera’s approach demonstrates the dual benefit of apprenticeships: creating career pathways while addressing critical skills shortages. Hobby expands on this: “Many science-based industries, such as food safety and environmental science, require highly specialised expertise. Apprenticeship programmes allow companies to train talent according to their specific needs, ensuring that new employees are well-equipped for industry challenges.”

These programmes also stimulate innovation. Apprentices often arrive with fresh perspectives, their curiosity and academic grounding injecting new thinking into established teams. This culture of learning and innovation ensures businesses like Fera remain agile and competitive.

Tesco, a household name in British retail, echoes this sentiment. Recognised as one of the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England for 2024, the supermarket giant is ramping up its Stronger Starts Apprenticeship programme.

Emma Taylor, Tesco’s Chief People Officer, highlights the rationale behind the company’s ambitious drive to offer 1,500 apprenticeship places by 2027: “Everyone deserves a chance to secure good, rewarding work. Unfortunately, many young people face barriers to opportunity, but with the right support, this can change.”

For Tesco, apprenticeships represent a bridge into employment, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The company designed its Stronger Starts Level 2 Retail Apprenticeship to be flexible and inclusive. Applicants don’t need any prior qualifications and receive the same pay as shop floor colleagues, regardless of age. Importantly, the programme extends beyond basic skills, offering modules on brand reputation, sustainability and leadership, empowering individuals to progress into roles like Shift Leader and beyond. Feedback from Tesco apprentices speaks volumes: 89 percent report increased confidence, and 90 percent say their career prospects have improved.

Real lives, real impact

While businesses can cite strategic gains, the transformative power of apprenticeships is perhaps best understood through the experiences of those who have walked the path.

Holly Steel, Level 6 Digital Marketing Apprentice, Fera Science

Holly Steel, now a Marketing Executive at Fera, reflects on her journey: “Over the past three years, I’ve worked across digital marketing and events, from creating content to managing exhibitions. Balancing work-based learning with my university studies gave me the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects. During my apprenticeship, I completed three work-based projects, which turned out to be the most rewarding part of the experience. These projects allowed me to explore, learn and create positive changes that had a lasting impact on the business.

“One of my proudest achievements was independently launching a new Fapas® programme, applying everything I’d learned to deliver a successful campaign. The apprenticeship culminated in a final project and End Point Assessment, showcasing the skills and behaviours I’d developed. I’m incredibly proud to have graduated with First-Class Honours and to have made meaningful contributions along the way. Having completed the apprenticeship, I am now a Marketing Executive at Fera.”

Zoe, Level 2 Retail Apprentice, Tesco

Zoe’s experience at Tesco highlights the broader impact apprenticeships can have:

“I struggled at school and college due to having dyslexia, and didn’t see university as a good option for me. The Tesco apprenticeship was a great way to learn and develop new skills while working. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to experience working in different departments within the store which taught me a lot. I’ve worked in clothing, checkouts, customer service desk, non-food and fresh food to learn how these areas operate.

“During the apprenticeship I received support from my Lifetime Training Coach who was always available on the phone, text and email if I needed them. My manager supported the apprenticeship and made sure I had the opportunity to learn. I found that the apprenticeship increased my confidence and I developed my leadership skills that have helped me to progress within Tesco. Since completing the programme, I have been promoted to Café Manager and I’m keen to use my skills to progress further.”

A pathway to the future

These personal successes reflect a broader trend, highlighting apprenticeships as a sustainable talent pipeline. Yet, challenges remain. Research conducted by Tesco and the Social Market Foundation revealed a ‘lost workforce’ of six million people struggling to enter the labour market, with a marked decline (41 percent) in apprenticeships for under-19s since 2017. Addressing this gap requires systemic change.

One potential solution is the proposed Growth and Skills Levy, which aims to reform the way training is funded and delivered. Building on the work of Richard Pennycook CBE as Interim Chair of Skills England, the levy would encourage greater collaboration between government, training providers and businesses. The goal is to create more flexible, tailored training opportunities across the labour market, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access the skills they need while meeting the evolving needs of industry.

Taylor urges, “To unlock the full potential of programmes like Stronger Starts, we need a skills training system that’s fit for purpose. The Growth and Skills Levy represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform how training is funded and delivered.”

Championing apprenticeships

The IFST is at the forefront of promoting apprenticeships as a key solution to the food industry’s skills challenge. Their Apprenticeships Portal serves as a comprehensive hub, connecting young people aged 16-24 with roles in leading food science and technology companies. Through the platform, sector employers can also post and share vacancies with ease.

Crew summarises the mission succinctly: “We want young people today to study science and technology, and work in the amazing food sector.”

Explore the IFST Apprenticeships Portal at https://lovefoodlovescience.org/ for more information.