The FDF is working with government and our members to deliver a skills system that successfully addresses both current and future skills shortages to ensure industry can respond to changes in the labour market and reap the benefits of innovation and increased automation.
We aim to build apprenticeship numbers through reform of the apprenticeship levy so it works better for employers and learners. We want to see the creation of a Food and Drink supply chain fund to maximise use of levy funds. For the longer-term we are calling for a more flexible levy and better coverage of training costs.
We are working with government to help shape the implementation of the new T Levels. We support business engagement throughout the development process to ensure the new qualification closely meet the needs of UK food and drink.
We support members to help them access existing learning provision such as the National Skills Fund Retraining Scheme and the Adult Education Budget.
Food and Drink Manufacturers across England, Scotland and Wales have been successful in their bid to offer hundreds of funded job placements to young people as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
Led jointly by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), 400 young people will receive real industry experience and a wage during their six-month job placement.
All participants who complete their placement will also receive a food and drink manufacturing ‘passport’ confirming their readiness to take up a job in the industry, along with an employability programme delivered by Youth Employment UK. It is hoped that many of Kickstart participants will be taken on as apprentices once they have completed their placements.
While the sector has shown remarkable strength and resilience during the pandemic, the food and drink supply chain has been hugely impacted, with young people bearing the brunt of job losses in the retail and hospitality sectors. As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector it is reassuring that government recognises the excellent opportunities we have to offer.
Do you employ a brilliant apprentice in your food and drink manufacturing company?
Nominate them for the FDF Apprentice of the Year award before 28 February 2021. It’s completely free to enter!
Is your company a great place to work? Is it somewhere where workplace wellbeing is paramount and employee recognition is encouraged?
Enter in the FDF Awards – HR Initiative category before 28 February 2021, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!
FDF is working with MakeUK, SMMT, Cogent, Unite, other manufacturing groups to establish a National Manufacturing Skills Taskforce. Representing the sector in its entirety, the National Manufacturing Skills Task Force will provide strategic leadership and a collaborative vision for skills in the sector. Working with Government and other stakeholders we will:
A new online teacher training resource for Scotland’s schools and colleges aims to boost Scotland’s knowledge of Good Food. It provides a suite of resources to empower educators to teach secondary pupils about food, STEM and sustainability.
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, FDF Scotland is calling for a platform to help our world-renowned food and drink industry recover from coronavirus and Brexit, and to return to growth. They ask for a moratorium on policy and regulation changes that will negatively impact Scotland’s food and drink manufacturers.
Food and Drink Manufacturers across England, Scotland and Wales have been successful in their bid to offer hundreds of job placements to young people as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
The FDF has announced the shortlist for the Food and Drink Federation Awards 2020, which takes place virtually on Wednesday 3 February 2021.
The FDF is working with members, government and stakeholders to help maximise the effectiveness of apprenticeships and the levy to build a stronger skills pipeline for the sector.
The FDF is working with members to access funding for reskilling and upskilling employees through lifelong learning schemes including the Adult Education Budget, National Skills Fund and Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
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The FDF is supporting our members to stay informed on the latest changes to the new UK immigration system. This includes guidance on EU Settled Status for employees.
Maintaining a competitive employment offer and ensuring compliant practice is important for our members. The FDF will help you understand the current landscape and push for your concerns to be heard.
Keep up to date with the latest HSE insights and information to help keep your workforce safe and your workplace compliant.
24 October 2019
Report by the Food and Drink Sector Council which outlines the future workforce and skills needs of the UK food and drink sector, and has brought together the entire supply chain to develop key recommendations for both government and industry that will deliver a real step change.
Read more05 May 2020
This is our shared plan for governments to work in partnership with the UK’s food and drink industry to ensure it continues to lead the world and meet the needs of UK consumers and shoppers.
Read more
