26.06.2009
A pioneering study has highlighted the need for employers in the food and drink industry in Northern Ireland to work more closely in addressing perceptions of the sector among young people in order to avert a labour shortage.
There are over 18,000 full time employees in food and drink manufacturing throughout Northern Ireland, but a survey commissioned by the food and drink sector skills council, Improve, has shown that only three per cent of 16-18 year-olds are interested in a career in the industry.
The report also found that 90 per cent of students and parents surveyed are unaware that graduates receive multiple job offers upon graduating. While 60 per cent of students were unsure what food courses involve and 51 per cent of teachers said no one approached pupils with information on food and drink careers .
Improve chief executive Jack Matthews said: “The industry is currently worth £3 billion a year to the Northern Ireland economy, and with 6,000 new staff required in the country by 2017, this research shows the urgent need to alter perceptions of the food and drink industry in Northern Ireland and educate students as to the benefits of a career in the sector.
“It illustrates that both parents and teenagers know little about the qualifications and careers available to them and there is a lack of information coming from the industry. Too many people still think of the industry as low paid and subject to poor working conditions.
“In fact there are dozens of courses, qualifications and well-paid jobs available, with progressive employers prioritising training and development among their staff.
“Around one in four vacancies for food scientists and technologists across the UK are unfilled, with top professionals earning up to £70,000. And in Northern Ireland the industry is predicted to need expanding numbers of high-skill level occupations, e.g. managers and professionals, equivalent to approximately 50 per cent of current levels.”
Other key findings of the report include:-
• Less than 10 per cent of parents ever recommended careers in food and drink manufacturing to their children
• 24 per cent of students believe that the industry can only offer short term roles, with 55 per cent of parents thinking the same
• Approximately one third of students (30 per cent), teachers (33 per cent) and parents (38 per cent) believe that salaries in the food sector compare less favourably with those in other industries.
The study surveyed more than 3300 students, teachers and parents across 30 schools – the first time such a comprehensive piece of research into perceptions of the food and drink manufacturing industry has been carried out in Northern Ireland.
Mr Matthews added: “Improve is working hard with companies and educational providers and our partner organisation, Food and Drink Sector Skills Northern Ireland to ensure careers in food and drink are at the top of the list for school leavers. We are also creating qualifications that meet the expectations of young people and provide the industry with the skilled workforce required to fulfil the opportunities available and develop the sector in the years to come.
“We have to work together to communicate the opportunities available and help young people to understand that there are a wealth of careers available in food and drink and flexible vocational qualifications that ensure work within the industry is coupled with lifelong learning.”
The report suggests that Improve and the nation’s careers and education providers work together to inform teachers and parents, engage with students and encourage employers to share their experiences and insights of the industry with younger people.
