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News article

29 June 2012

McVitie's Manchester opens its doors to the next generation of biscuit makers

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PRESS RELEASE

Yesterday, year 10 students from Manchester-based Parrs Wood High School got to go behind the scenes at United Biscuits' McVitie's factory in Manchester – the home of the Jaffa Cake – as part of the 'See Inside Manufacturing' scheme; an exciting government initiative to get young people interested in careers in manufacturing.

Students got to tour the factory and see how leading brands including Jaffa Cakes, Chocolate Digestives and Penguins are made. They were also able to meet different people from various roles in the factory to find out more about their jobs and the qualifications needed to do them. UB is one of several food and drink manufacturers opening its doors to pupils, teachers and careers advisors for See Inside Manufacturing this month. In partnership with the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), nearly 1,250 people will be visiting food and drink companies all across the UK to learn more about the sector.

By opening its doors, the food and drink manufacturing industry is hoping to attract talent for the future. This is particularly important as the sector 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 shed the sector's image of production lines, hairnets and wellies, and to highlight the wide range of exciting job opportunities available in highly skilled and well paid professions.

See Inside Manufacturing is run by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in conjunction with organisations such as FDF, and aims to improve the image of manufacturing whilst also inspiring young people to consider careers in sectors such as food and drink.

FDF Director of Communications, Terry Jones, said:

“UB is one of many companies across the UK opening their doors to young people and getting them excited about careers in manufacturing. 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."

“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, and the main driver behind our Taste Success – A Future in Food campaign. Programmes such as See Inside Manufacturing support this work by offering an invaluable opportunity for young people, teachers and careers advisers to learn more about food and drink manufacturing and what a great career choice it is.”

Lesley Flood, Training Coordinator at McVitie's Manchester, said:

“We are trying to change students' views of manufacturing. We want them to see us as a great career opportunity with huge potential. Students can often be surprised to find out that you need a certain level of English and Maths skills to be considered for a role at McVitie's. We have a wide range of entrance levels from unskilled to apprentices, graduates and technical experts. We help and encourage our employees to work their way up the career ladder.”

The Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, said:

“See Inside Manufacturing is about changing perceptions of modern manufacturing and showing young people, teachers and careers advisers that the industry offers interesting and rewarding job opportunities."

“Food and drink is the largest manufacturing sector, employing almost 400,000 people. I'm pleased that FDF has come onboard, and that the sector's dynamic businesses are opening their doors to the public. Food and drink is a great asset to the initiative, and just the type of support we need to help dispel outdated myths of manufacturing.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector. For more information about FDF and the industry we represent visit: www.fdf.org.uk and for the Taste Success campaign.
   
2. United Biscuits is the leading manufacturer and marketer of biscuits and packaged nuts in the UK, and the second largest manufacturer and marketer of savoury snacks and crisps. Among UB's popular brand names are McVitie's, Penguin, go ahead!, McVitie's Jaffa Cakes, Jacob's, Twiglets, McCoy's, Hula Hoops, Skips, Mini Cheddars, Phileas Fogg and KP Nuts. UB owns and operates 16 manufacturing facilities, of which 11 are in the UK. The company employs over 8,900 people. For further information visit: www.unitedbiscuits.com
   
3. Additional photos of the pupils during their visit are available from the press offices.

More information

FDF press Team:

Nicki Hunt on or 020 7420 7132 - nicki.hunt@fdf.org.uk
Avni Raval or 020 7420 7131 - Avni.Raval@fdf.org.uk
Anna Taylor or 020 7420 7118 - anna.taylor@fdf.org.uk

Keren McCarron, United Biscuits - 020 8234 5702 - Keren_McCarron@unitedbiscuits.com

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