Taste of life in food industry for UK school students

British school students interested in a career in food are taking part in a programme to demonstrate the breadth of jobs available in the industry and increase their work skills.

National education charity Future First has partnered with The Flava People, which supplies the UKs leading retailers, restaurants and food manufacturers with sauces and seasonings, to inform state school students about the skills necessary to succeed in the food and hospitality industry.

Under the scheme, The Flava People will welcome Year 11 students from two Manchester state schools, Burnage Academy for Boys and Sale Grammar School to its Sharston factory to see the production line first hand, benefit from the experience of staff and learn the skills they need to be successful in work.  The insight days will help students understand the wide range of careers available in the food industry and the study routes students should choose to pursue specific roles.

Future First’s remit is to encourage everyone to succeed in a career of their choice, regardless of their background. The charity’s research shows almost five in ten young people receiving Free School Meals don’t know anyone in a job they would like to do and that three quarters of them don’t believe that they can be successful.

Matt Lent, Chief Executive Officer Future First, said, “Students cannot be what they can’t see. Future First’s new partnership with The Flava People will provide inspiring opportunities for more young people to develop their employability skills and understand the food industry.  Students will be able to connect with experienced staff whose stories will bring the industry alive. Hearing from employees in interesting jobs helps students make better informed decisions about what they need for their working life as well as develop the skills employers are looking for.”

Teacher Pippa Conley, Faculty Leader for Design & Technology at Sale Grammar School, said, “Our students came back to school brimming with enthusiasm after all of the activities they took part in. I really do think they have had their eyes opened to many diverse careers and possibilities for the future.”