Food and drink manufacturers across England, Scotland and Wales have been successful in their bid to offer hundreds of job placements to young people as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
Led jointly by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), 400 young people will receive real industry experience and a wage during their six-month job placement.
All participants who complete their placement will also receive a food and drink manufacturing ‘passport’ confirming their readiness to take up a job in the industry, along with an employability programme delivered by Youth Employment UK. It is hoped that many of Kickstart participants will be taken on as apprentices once they have completed their placements.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vital role that food and drink manufacturing plays in keeping the nation fed has been thrust centre stage. While the sector has shown remarkable strength and resilience during the pandemic, the food and drink supply chain has been hugely impacted, with young people bearing the brunt of job losses in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “It’s great to see food and drink manufacturers rallying together to offer 400 young people vital opportunities to gain key industry experience and training through the Kickstart Scheme, boosting their longer term prospects.”
Ian Wright, FDF chief executive said: “Businesses across food and drink manufacturing are delighted to support the Kickstart scheme. It offers young people real pay and real workplace experiences. That combination offers an excellent way to kickstart their careers”