‘We need fresh approach’ to attract youngsters: DEFRA minister

10-Mar-2014 - Last updated on 24-Jul-2024 at 13:36 GMT

Food and drink manufacturers sometimes lose out to other industries in the competition to attract new talent and need “a fresh approach”, says food and farming minister George Eustice.

“I think it probably doesn’t claim its fair share [of youngsters compared with automotive and aerospace],” said Eustice in this exclusive video interview with FoodManufacture.co.uk, filmed during his visit to McCain’s Peterborough factory to mark National Apprenticeship Week yesterday (March 6).

“That’s a shame because it should – it’s our biggest and most successful manufacturing industry. I’m very keen we change perceptions about the food industry because wherever I go, you see high tech processes and lots of sophisticated bits of equipment,” he added.

Teenage apprentices

Eustice said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was working with the Department of Education to develop “a fresh approach” to the challenge of attracting youngsters into food and drink manufacturing. This would focus on sending teenage apprentices into schools to inspire youngsters to choose the right qualifications for a career in food and drink manufacturing.

He also he praised the four-fold increase in food and drink sector apprenticeships from 1,500 in 2011 to 7,500 last year. The sector is predicted to need about 170,300 new recruits by 2020.

Read more about Eustice’s visit to McCain’s factory here.