Food Education Funding for School Pupils

A Future in Food is SFDF's national programme to help teachers, pupils and parents better understand the food and drink manufacturing sector in Scotland.

This funding, bolstered by additional industry and stakeholder contributions, will enable the programme to extend its impact and reach across Scotland. Since its launch in 2010, 3,500 pupils have been engaged in activities designed to boost their awareness of careers in the food industry. This ranges from food forensic projects where pupils use science to uncover the properties of different food products, to BBC 'Dragon's Den' style activities where young people develop and present their food business strategies. These initiatives are designed to help young people make links between the subjects they study at school and the skills needed for a career in the food industry.

Moira Stalker, Schools Programme Co-ordinator at SFDF, said: “As Scotland's biggest manufacturing industry, food and drink offers many exciting career opportunities for young people. Professionals in food are committed to bringing our industry to life for students in an engaging, interactive way by providing hand-on support to schools. Equally, with future employment being a concern for teachers, parents and students alike, we want to help them see how skills and qualifications in subjects such as science, engineering, logistics or IT can link to rewarding jobs in the industry.”

Richard Lochhead MSP, Rural Affairs Secretary, said: “Scotland's food and drink industry is one of our country's success stories, thanks to the outstanding natural produce we have on our doorstep. At a time when many industries are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, our food and drink industry is continuing to buck the trend.
“There are a wide range of rewarding career opportunities available and the Future in Food programme will ensure our young people are aware of what's on offer, allowing them to equip themselves with the skills they need for a great career.”

For more information, please contact Nicki Hunt, Avni Raval, Rebecca Wilhelm or Anna Taylor on 020 7420 7132/31/40/18

Note to Editors:

1. The Scottish Food and Drink and Federation is the voice of the Scottish food and drink manufacturing industry – Scotland's largest manufacturing sector. www.sfdf.org.uk.
2. Grant of up to £270,000 is payable over the financial years 2012-15. Payments for the financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15 are subject to parliamentary approval of the Scottish Government budget.
3. The food and drink supply chain employs over 360,000 people across Scotland, 50,000 of which are employed in manufacturing alone.
4. Only 10% of the workforce are under the age of 24 and the sector has an ageing workforce with 28% aged 55 or over. Therefore, there is a high replacement demand, creating more opportunities for young people and career changers.
6. It is estimated that the sector needs 12,000 new entrants over the next 10 years (source: Scottish Government).