Food sector focuses on future with range of talent initiatives

Chilled pastry producer Addo Food Group has announced its first graduate employment programme, offering two-year placements for applicants interested in food manufacturing, operations and commercial management.

The programme combines educational and workplace learning with modules covering strategic operations, marketing, sustainability and disruptive innovation. Graduates taking part will be allocated a mentor from the group’s executive team and assigned a manager for each module.

Addo, which has plants in Nottingham, Dorset and Shropshire, is offering a starting salary of £24,000-£26,000. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree obtained in the last two years.

Surya scheme​

Harwich-based world food supplier Surya has also launched a graduate scheme for 2021. Opportunities have been created across commercial, marketing, technical, product development, supply chain, manufacturing operations, buying and finance.

Successful applicants will be allocated a ‘buddy’ to help them acclimatise to the role and provide support for development. Surya, which produces rice brand Laila, said a typical role ‘can involve everything from overseeing new product development to gaining invaluable skills in international supply chain’.

Princes proves popular​

Meanwhile, Princes has reported a record number of applicants for its commercial graduate programme this year.

The Liverpool-based food and drink group said more than 855 graduates have applied for six places, representing a 15% rise on last year’s figure. Shortlisted candidates are being interviewed and attending a virtual assessment centre this month.

Chunky training​

Elsewhere, National Food and Drink Training (NFDT), the vocational skills arm of trade body Scottish Bakers, has announced the launch of Bite-Sized Chunks, a series of ten online learning modules via Zoom.

Developed with the help of funding from South of Scotland Enterprise, the programme is aimed at operatives, supervisors and managers working in a food supply chain business. The training is designed to provide participants with the skills and means to improve productivity within their business, NFDT said.

The programme covers the fundamentals of lean manufacturing practices and Six Sigma methodology and modules are based on the National Occupational Standards for Food Manufacturing Excellent Qualifications.

The content will be delivered over ten weeks. Learners can use the programme as the foundation for a Modern Apprenticeship in Food Manufacturing Excellence delivered by NFDT with funding from the Scottish Government, the training provider added.