News article
2 July 2012
Mars Chocolate inspires next generation to See Inside Manufacturing
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PRESS RELEASE
This week, pupils from local schools Slough & Eton College and Windsor Boys
School will be getting work experience with a difference as they take part in
leading food and drink manufacturer, Mars Chocolate UK's 'Work Inspiration
Week'. The
programme is part of 'See Inside Manufacturing' - an exciting government
initiative to get young people interested in careers in the sector.
The pupils 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 leading brands including 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.
Mars 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: “Mars 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.”
Chris Dugmore from Mars Chocolate UK said:
“We are really excited to be opening our doors and showcasing our business to
young people from Slough, as we know that the food industry is a dynamic sector
with great opportunities. 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.”
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:
- The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink
manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
- About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington
kitchen and established Mars' roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s,
Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched
the
MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream
of
building a business based on the philosophy of a “mutuality of benefits” for
all
stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated
today.
Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion, six
business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks,
Symbioscience, and approximately 70,000 Associates worldwide that are putting
its Principles
into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its
performance.
Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, KITEKAT®,
BANFIELD® Pet Hospital and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®,
GALAXY®,
MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™
chewing
gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints.
Food
–UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®;
Drinks
– ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®;
Symbioscience – COCOAVIA™, WISDOM PANEL™ and SERAMIS®.
For more information, please visit www.mars.com. Follow us: facebook.com/mars,
twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars.
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
Mars Chocolate UK
Chris Dugmore, 01753 514283 - Christopher.dugmore@effem.com
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