Young skills ambassadors give thumbs up to food industry

Young skills ambassadors had their eyes opened to the variety of roles available in the food industry at an event organised last week by social networking group MyKindaCrowd (MKC).

A-Level student Jennifer Onwuzulike and GCSE student Shannel Bernard – both MKC ambassadors – told FoodManufacture.co.uk in this exclusive podcast their previously stereotypical views of the food industry had been changed by the event.

Referring to her opinion of the sector, Onwuzulike said: “It was really bad … I was really reluctant about coming to this event in the first place, because I didn’t understand what food and drink has got to offer to me …

‘Eye-opener’

“But after the event, I’ve actually learned a lot of things and I’m thinking, ‘why on earth was I so negative about the whole issue’? It was an eye-opener for me today.”

Bernard added: “I take food technology and I’ve never been aware of all the industries that food technology and food and drink have to offer. I thought it was making food and serving it, so McDonald’s, KFC, being a baker or being a butcher.

“There are so many other branches in the food and drink industry than just making and serving.”

Delegates at the event, which was held at the Hub Westminster, heard from food industry representatives, including Premier Foods boss Gavin Darby, about the career opportunities the food industry offers.

Listen to this podcast to hear Onwuzulike and Bernard share their opinions about how the food and drink sector could attract more young recruits.

For a full range of jobs in the food and drink industry, visit FoodManJobs.