A national drive to ensure Wales' food and drink workforce is equipped with the right skills for success is already delivering tangible results.
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, funded by the Welsh Government, is helping food and drink businesses across Wales to invest in their people and build a resilient, future ready industry.
By offering targeted training and development opportunities, the programme is helping to equip employees with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape – covering areas such as innovation, sustainability, leadership and digital transformation.
The programme is a cornerstone of the Welsh Government’s long-term vision to support the growth and competitiveness of the food and drink industry. It aims to create a confident, agile, and highly skilled workforce that can respond to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities.
Kate Rees, Programme Manager for Food & Drink Skills Wales, said:
“We’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm from businesses across Wales who are embracing upskilling as a strategic priority.
“Our mission is to support food and drink businesses—particularly in the processing and manufacturing sectors – by ensuring their employees have access to the right training and development. We’re not just building skills, we’re building confidence, adaptability and a culture of continuous learning. This is about empowering individuals and strengthening the industry as a whole.”
One business reaping the benefits of investing in its workforce is Edwards, The Welsh Butcher, an award-winning company based in Conwy, North Wales. Founded in the 1980s by Ieuan Edwards, the company has grown from a small local business into a nationally recognised brand known for its high-quality meat and deli products.
Ieuan Edwards, Master Butcher and Director, Edwards, The Welsh Butcher, said:
“When I first started the business, we were a small local butcher. Over the years, we’ve grown into a national recognised brand, and that has brought plenty of exciting challenges and opportunities.
“In a business like ours, every day is different. Our teams wear many hats, and that means you’re constantly learning – whether it’s in production, marketing, or customer engagement. I’ve always believed that hands-on experience is just as valuable as formal qualifications.
“There’s huge potential in the Welsh food and drink industry, especially for people who are curious, adaptable, and eager to grow. Programmes like Food & Drink Skills Wales are vital because they give people the tools and confidence to develop their careers, no matter where they start. It’s about opening doors and showing that there’s a future here for anyone willing to learn.”
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme also offers a dedicated Jobs Noticeboard to connect jobseekers with opportunities in the sector: fooddrinkjobs.wales
For more information about Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, visit: http://www.fooddrinkskills.wales/
