This month, several major food companies have signed up to the initiative, which kicked off with a student visit to a Coca-Cola Enterprises bottling plant on Tuesday.
“See Inside Manufacturing gives young people the opportunity to see exactly how manufacturing works on a day to day basis, dispelling old myths about factories and inspiring the next generation of engineers,” said business minister Michael Fallon. “So far the scheme has been hugely successful in doing this, with nearly nine in ten young participants saying they would now think about a career in manufacturing."
Food and beverage manufacturers already involved in the project include British Sugar, Coca-Cola Enterprises, KP Snacks, Mars, Mondelez International, Nestlè, PepsiCo, Thorntons plc and Wrigley's.
The programme is open to food and drink companies of all sizes, and the FDF is touting it as a way to provide good publicity for companies, to challenge the image of British manufacturing, to engage with the local community, and to positively impact staff by getting apprentices involved in informing students about their work.
“There is no doubt that skills are the driving force to a successful industry,” said FDF director general Melanie Leech. “Engaging with young people and bringing to life a career in food and drink manufacturing is a key priority for FDF. See Inside Manufacturing, alongside our “Taste Success” careers campaign and the recent launch of the UK's first MEng Food Engineering, provide great opportunities to inspire the next generation of food and drink leaders to play a part in producing some of the world's most admired brands.”
For more information on how to get involved, click here.