The funding will match the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland’s (REHIS’) contribution towards the expansion of the Elementary Food Hygiene Course and is the fourth year of support from FSS.
The REHIS Schools Food Hygiene Initiative is available to all secondary schools in Scotland, for pupils aged between 13 and 18. Up to 40,000 pupils have completed the course so far.
Food Hygiene Course
Elspeth Macdonald, FSS deputy chief executive, said: “The REHIS Food Hygiene Course is invaluable for anyone in – or aspiring to be in – catering and hospitality.
“We are delighted to continue supporting Scotland’s school pupils in obtaining this qualification which will serve them well in future, whether they are providing safe food in the home or within the food and drink industry.”
REHIS chief executive Tom Bell thanked FSS for matching its funding for the schools food hygiene initiative, which he said would be fundamental in supporting its delivery in schools across the country.
“Young people benefit widely from the initiative, which provides them with an industry-recognised qualification for future employment.
“Some students have found it useful when looking for part-time work during the school holidays or for supporting certain areas of the SQA Curriculum, such as Home Economics.”
National Chef support
The initiative also has a strong supporter in Gary Maclean, Scotland’s first National Chef and senior chef lecturer at City of Glasgow College.
“Awarding bodies such as REHIS play a fundamental role in equipping budding chefs and caterers with the skills and knowledge to start their culinary career,” said Maclean.
“It begins with education, so investment in the food hygiene qualification will optimise fresh talent getting a ‘foot in the door’.”
Meanwhile, manufacturers in Scotland are to benefit from a £250,000 grant from the government to support locally produced food and drink.