School students interested in a career in food are taking part in a programme to demonstrate the breadth of jobs available in the industry and increase their work skills. National education charity Future First has partnered with The Flava People, who supply the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants and food manufacturers with sauces and seasonings, to inform state school students about the skills necessary to succeed in the food and hospitality industry.
Under the scheme, The Flava People will welcome Year 11 students from two Manchester state schools, Burnage Academy for Boys and Sale Grammar School to its Sharston factory to see the production line first hand, benefit from the experience of staff and learn the skills they need to be successful in work. The insight days will help students understand the wide range of careers available in the food industry and the study routes students should choose to pursue specific roles.
The project forms part of The Flava People’s ‘Flavour to Fuel change’ commitment to promote the industry in higher education and to support Manchester’s young people while providing a future diverse pipeline of young people coming into the industry.
The Flava People is one of several leading employers working with Future First to connect their employees with young people in schools and colleges. The link between schools and employers enables students to broaden their horizons and boost their confidence, motivation and knowledge about career pathways.
Future First believes everyone should be able to succeed in a career of their choice, regardless of their background. The charity’s research shows almost five in ten young people receiving Free School Meals don’t know anyone in a job they would like to do and that three quarters of them don’t believe that they can be successful.
Matt Lent, Chief Executive Officer Future First, said: “Students cannot be what they can’t see. Future First’s new partnership with The Flava People will provide inspiring opportunities for more young people to develop their employability skills and understand the food industry. Students will be able to connect with experienced staff whose stories will bring the industry alive. Hearing from employees in interesting jobs helps students make better-informed decisions about what they need for their working life as well as develop the skills employers are looking for.”
Scott Dixon, Managing Director of The Flava People said: “We believe passionately in the power of food and flavour as a tool to drive positive change, not just for businesses and brands but across education, employment and beyond. We have a responsibility to use what we have, what we know and what we’ve learnt to empower others who might not otherwise get that opportunity. Future First, with their extensive knowledge of the education sector, was the obvious partner with whom to start this journey.”
Teacher Pippa Conley, Faculty Leader for Design & Technology at Sale Grammar School, said: “Our students came back to school brimming with enthusiasm after all of the activities they took part in. I really do think they have had their eyes opened to many diverse careers and possibilities for the future.”
For further information on Future First visit the website
Picture caption: Students from Sale Grammar School attend The Flava People’s Sharston factory to learn about the industry.
