Scottish catering and hospitality news in Scotland

Leading food and drink manufacturers in Scotland have joined together in a common cause to boost skills across the sector.
he Glenmorangie Company, Scottish and Newcastle and McVities are among the first to sign the food and drink manufacturing Sector Skills Agreement (SSA), a new deal whereby companies commit to individual, formal action plans to develop skills in their own workforces that can also benefit the sector as a whole. Developed by Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, the SSA for Scotland is a master-plan that maps out exactly what skills employers need their workforces to have, and how these skills will be supplied, both now and in the future.

'Food and drink is the largest and most diverse manufacturing sector in Scotland,' says Jack Matthews, Chief Executive of Improve. 'A training priority for one manufacturer might not be as important to another, so it's essential that each and every company has a tailor-made action plan to help boost the skills of its workforce and, in doing so, raise skills levels across the sector as a whole.'

The Glenmorangie Company was one of the first companies to sign an individual action plan: 'We believe that this is a great way of encouraging school pupils to consider a food-related career,' said Dr Peter Nelson, Operations Director (pictured with with Gillian Pirie, Project Manager at Glenmorangie). 'It requires an investment of time and effort, but we benefit from the fresh ideas and thinking that these students offer. It also helps us to find bright, enthusiastic new recruits. Although there's no obligation to work at Glenmorangie, we have had students take up permanent positions following their placements.'

The SSA for Scotland was completed this month and is the first time that the sector has a live guide to determine the entire programme of ongoing skills development. The SSA will be subject to continuous review in response to employers' changing needs to ensure its plans and objectives remain relevant.

Visit the Improve website for more information.