A campaign to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales and to challenge perceptions of careers in this field has been launched.
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme is a Welsh Government funded programme committed to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It supports food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business.
Working across all sectors within the Welsh food and drink industry, it encourages employees to share knowledge and experience with fellow peers whilst also increasing confidence and flexibility in the workplace in order to make employees feel valued. It also aims to prepare employees to adapt to changes and opportunities in food production and manufacturing including technical, business and environmental challenges.
As part of the campaign, a new online Jobs Noticeboard is live with a number of vacancies available across the sector.
Kate Rees, Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Manager, said:
“The programme offers support for food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry. This is to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business and the wider industry.
“The Jobs Noticeboard is filled with opportunities for those seeking a new or different career in the industry, while offering a wealth of support, advice and guidance to help navigate the different career opportunities and business areas that may be of interest to those wishing to explore further.”
The Welsh Government aims to grow the sector’s value to £8.5 billion as well as increase the number of employees in the sector who receive the Welsh Living Wage to 80%, both by 2025.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said:
“There are so many diverse, exciting and rewarding roles and opportunities in our food and drinks industry. It’s important that people’s skillsets match those opportunities and this new service will provide the industry with the personnel required to see the sector grow further.”
With the pursuit to create one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world, there’s been a huge uptake in Welsh food and drink in both the UK and further afield, with manufacturers and businesses across Wales quickly responding to the increasing demand, said Food & Drink Skills Wales.
There are a number of ways to join the industry including apprenticeships and learning programmes, operational and customer facing roles as well as leadership and management opportunities.
Blas ar Fwyd, a family-owned business in North Wales, is supporting the launch of the new website as part of a broader recruitment drive aimed at attracting passionate individuals to join the thriving sector.
Osian Deiniol of Blas ar Fwyd, said:
“We are thrilled to back this initiative and support the launch of this new website. The food and drink industry in Wales is thriving, and there are countless opportunities for those looking to start a new career, transfer skills, or upskill and progress.
“At Blas ar Fwyd, we believe in the power of passion and community, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive. We encourage anyone interested in joining this dynamic industry to explore the opportunities available.”
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Jobs Noticeboard can be found at: fooddrinkjobs.wales
For more information about Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, visit: http://www.fooddrinkskills.wales/
