UK-based food company United Biscuits has invited year 10 students from Manchester-based Parrs Wood High School to visit its McVitie's factory in Manchester, as a partner in the government-led initiative to encourage young people to take up a career in food and drink manufacturing sector.
United Biscuits is one of the several food companies participating in the 'See Inside Manufacturing' initiative, which is being held by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS).
United Biscuits is a leading maker of biscuits, packaged nuts, savory snacks and crisps in the UK, and it owns brand such as McVitie's, Penguin and go ahead!.
McVitie's Manchester training coordinator Lesley Flood said the company is trying to change students' views by showing them the great career opportunity offered by the manufacturing sector.
"We have a wide range of entrance levels from unskilled to apprentices, graduates and technical experts," Flood added.
The See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) programme aims to provide exposure to young people to the food and drink, automotive and aerospace industries and to encourage them to opt for careers in these sectors.
As part of this programme, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents food and drink manufacturing industry in the UK, has partnered with BIS. This partnership will allow 1,250 people to visit food and drink companies across the UK to gain an understanding of the manufacturing operations.
According to FDF, by opening its doors to young people, the food and drink manufacturing industry is seeking to attract talent for the future, which is important as it is estimated that the sector will need around 137,000 new recruits by 2017. - currently, the industry employs over 400,000 people.
