News article

22 August 2012

Top baker gives local schools a slice of business life

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PRESS RELEASE

Leading baker Warburton's has signed a formal agreement with Lanarkshire-based Bellshill Academy and North Lanarkshire Council to continue their successful partnership working with young people to give them an insight into the world of work.

Already through the partnership, pupils from four local primary schools associated with Bellshill Academy have learnt how to design, create and market a new bread product that could fit into the Warburton's range. They have also had the chance to experience the all-important 'pitching process' for which they benefitted from mentoring from older pupils in the Academy to perfect their presentation skills.

Working together has led to several benefits for all parties involved. Bellshill Academy's pupils have enhanced their skills in areas such as ICT, literacy, team working, communication, problem solving and organization. Equally, Warburton's staff have been able to engage more closely with their local community by getting involved with the project and visiting the schools to provide input about the company and its products.

This partnership was set up by the Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF) as part of its 'A Future in Food' national schools programme. A Future in Food works to create mutually beneficial educational relationships between schools and the food industry to facilitate learning and to promote careers in the industry.

Moira Stalker, SFDF Schools Programme Coordinator, said:
“We're absolutely delighted that Bellshill Academy, North Lanarkshire Council and Warburton's, have decided to continue their partnership. The success of their partnership so far is testament to the immense benefits to be gained by industry and education working together.”

Aileen Strowes, Safety &CR Manager, Warburtons Scotland, said:
“Warburtons Scotland are delighted about the signing of the partnership with Bellshill Academy, and are more than happy to help support the school in line with the Curriculum of Excellence, we look forward to continuing our work with the school to help inspire and educate the pupils in the understanding of the world of business.”

Lesley Heffernan, PT Business, Enterprise and ICT, Bellshill Academy, said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Warburtons to enable our young people to develop skills for life, learning and work and to allow us to bring alive their learning across all subject areas. Warburtons have already contributed to our highly successful 'Warburtons Challenge' event, involving our 4 Enterprise Cluster primaries and we very much look forward to working with them on future projects."

Lynn Taylor, Curriculum for Excellence Support Teacher (Enterprise), North Lanarkshire Council, said:
“Working in partnership, both educators and employers have an opportunity to bring real inspiration and relevance into and beyond the formal classroom. It's a about a mutually beneficial relationship and a promising future. Partnerships such as this help to make our young people successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors, who have the skills they need to succeed in life, learning and work.”

Note to Editors

  1. The Scottish Food and Drink and Federation is the voice of the Scottish food and drink manufacturing industry – Scotland's largest manufacturing sector.
  2. A Future in Food works to foster mutually beneficial relationships between schools and the Scottish food and drink industry, helping teachers, pupils and parents better understand the sector and highlighting the wide variety of careers on offer.
  3. Pictures of the partnership

More information

Nicki Hunt on or 020 7420 7132 - nicki.hunt@fdf.org.uk
Rebecca Wilhelm or 020 7420 7140 - rebecca.wilhelm@fdf.org.uk

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