This week pupils from local schools Slough & Eton College and Windsor Boys School will take part in Mars Chocolate UK’s Work Inspiration Week, part of the See Inside Manufacturing campaign.
The students will undergo a dedicated programme over the course of the week, designed to help them learn more about food and drink manufacturing and the vital skills needed for the world of work.
The programme includes a tour of the factory to see how brands like Mars, Galaxy and Maltesers are made and a series of industry insight workshops to look at the various business functions within the company. Pupils will also attend special sessions to help them understand their personal strengths and have mentoring sessions with senior managers.
Mars graduates and apprentices will also be on hand to offer advice and to share their own personal experience of working for the company.
Chris Dugmore from Mars Chocolate UK said: “Throughout this week we want to give these young people not only an understanding of Mars, but of the world of work to help them to realise their full potential and the range of options open to them once they leave school.”
Several food and drink manufacturers are opening their doors to schools for See Inside Manufacturing this month: in partnership with the Food and Drink Federation, nearly 1,250 people will be visiting companies in the sector all across the UK.
FDF director of communications Terry Jones said: “Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, employing over 400,000 people. It offers great prospects to employees at all levels, from apprentice to seasoned professional, and is an important local employer.”
The food and drink industry will need around 137,000 new recruits by 2017 to replace those retiring or leaving the industry. Through the Taste Success – A Future in Food campaign, FDF is working to highlight the range of exciting job opportunities available in highly skilled and well paid professions.
Jones continued: “As an industry, we know that to realise our potential and to deliver our shared vision with government of 20% growth by 2020, we will need to attract the best talent. Engaging with young people to bring to life a career in food and drink is a key priority for FDF.”
