Produced by Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme, A Quick Guide to Careers in Food & Drink provides practical information on the many routes into the sector, helping young people explore future career options and understand the qualifications, training and experience needed to succeed.
Lloyd Henry, Food Technology Teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, who compiled the guide, said, "Throughout my time teaching, I've seen first-hand how many young people are interested in the food and drink industry but often have limited information about the breadth of careers available within the industry and the routes they can take to get there.
"I recognised a gap in the information available to students, particularly around the wide variety of roles that exist beyond those they may already be familiar with. I wanted to create a resource that brings everything together in one place, making it easier for young people, parents and teachers to explore the opportunities available.”
The comprehensive guide which is also available online highlights a wide range of career pathways across different areas of the industry, including Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Business and Sustainability, Culinary and Hospitality, and Agriculture and Food Production.
Alongside outlining the skills and experience employers are looking for, the guide explains how young people can access these careers through a range of different routes, including apprenticeships, vocational qualifications and academic study. It also signposts relevant universities, colleges and training providers offering courses aligned with careers in the food and drink industry.
The publication has been sent directly to secondary schools across Wales and is intended to support careers education by providing clear, accessible information about one of Wales' most important sectors. Schools have been encouraged to make the guide available within libraries, careers hubs and other student-facing areas to help spark conversations about future career choices.
Melanie Cargill, Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Manager said, "This guide has been developed to showcase the breadth of opportunities on offer in the food and drink industry and to demonstrate that there are many different routes into a successful and rewarding career.
Whether someone is interested in science, engineering, product development or business, the sector offers exciting opportunities to learn, develop and progress. We hope this resource will inspire more young people to consider a future within an industry that plays a vital role in Wales' economy."
By bringing together comprehensive information on career pathways, qualifications, training opportunities and progression routes, A Quick Guide to Careers in Food & Drink aims to help young people recognise that there are many ways to secure a career in the sector and that opportunities exist for a wide range of interests, talents and ambitions.
Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme also offers a range of free careers resources and engagement activities for schools across Wales, helping students gain further insight into the opportunities available within the industry.