FDF RESPONSE TO EDUCATION SYSTEM REFORMS

FDF response to education system reforms. Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Director of Sustainability and Growth, Balwinder Dhoot commented on the PM’s announcement on reforms to the education system.

“Food and drink manufacturing can provide a career for life, where it’s possible for young people to join on the factory floor and make their way right up to the boardroom. With almost 200,000 jobs to be filled over the next decade, our sector needs a pipeline of technical skills in areas like engineering, digitalisation and decarbonisation that we require as advanced manufacturers.

“It’s great to hear the Prime Minister’s commitment to supporting technical skills for young people and taking a regional approach. We’ve already seen how this can be successful in Greater Manchester and look forward to working with government to ensure we can attract the next generation of food and drink manufacturers in communities across the UK.”

The future of the UK seafood sector depends on the next generation. From fishing vessels and fish farms to processing plants, marine science laboratories and seafood kitchens, young people are increasingly being recognised as essential to maintaining one of the country’s oldest and most important industries. As the sector embraces new technology, sustainability and changing consumer demands, it is also creating a wider range of career opportunities than ever before.

For many years, the seafood industry has struggled with an ageing workforce. Recruitment has become a significant challenge, particularly in catching and processing, where experienced workers are retiring faster than they can be replaced. Encouraging more young people into the industry is therefore not simply desirable but necessary if businesses are to remain productive and competitive.

Image: Seafish