Marvin OnumonuEngineeringUK and the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) have teamed up to tackle engineering workforce shortages in the food and drink industry.
The partnership will develop an outreach programme for young people, aiming to increase knowledge and interest in engineering careers in food and grocery.
The programme will run interactive workshops in UK state secondary schools, aligned to the curriculum.
It will also train teachers so they can speak confidently about engineering jobs in the food sector.
Research found that 48% of recruiting managers in food cited engineering roles as the hardest to fill.
Maddie Dinwoodie, director of engagement programmes at EngineeringUK, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with IGD to ensure more young people are aware of the range of fantastic engineering careers in the food industry.
“By working together and combining our expertise, we’re creating an exciting new programme that will help inform and inspire the next generation.
“High quality STEM outreach programmes such as this are vital for driving change and ensuring young people from all backgrounds are interested in, and have access to, engineering and technology career opportunities.”
Dinwoodie added: “With lack of diversity an ongoing barrier for widening the talent pool, we’re particularly aiming to reach young people who are typically underrepresented in engineering and technology roles in the food industry.”
Sarah McCarthy, head of employability programmes at IGD, said: “We are excited to partner with EngineeringUK on inspiring the next generation of engineers for the food and drink industry.
“This initiative is an excellent opportunity to help build a workforce that can address critical skills gaps and meet future challenges, while also supporting greater diversity and representation in STEM careers.
“Few industries offer as many exciting and meaningful career opportunities.”
McCarthy added: “For young people who want their work to reflect their values – whether that’s tackling climate change, driving sustainability, or improving public health – the food and drink industry is where they can make a real difference.”
