Mars Food UK has announced its plans to donate £38,000 of its apprenticeship levy to SOFEA, a charity providing vulnerable young people with educational and employability programmes.
The Milton Keynes and Oxford based non-profit organisation will use the food manufacturer’s donation to provide five young people with apprenticeships within the food industry.
The level two and three qualifications will be in job roles including customer service practitioner, supply chain and warehouse operations and HR.
A network partner of food distribution charity, FareShare, SOFEA’s funding will help to support the participants with qualified teachers, social workers, mental health support workers and behavioural change experts.
The partnership will also ensure the programme helps to tackle food insecurity and provide a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste.
READ MORE: Free school meals: How are retailers supporting families this summer?
“Over the last decade, Mars UK have felt the benefit from over 200 apprentices who have joined our business, and I am delighted that we’re able to help SOFEA in extending their programme,” Mars Food UK market director, Armen Topalian said.
“Together, I believe this programme will have a positive social impact – not only on the career paths of the individuals but by also helping to provide diverse talent which is critical to the success of the UK food industry.”
SOFEA CEO Richard Kennell added: “SOFEA employs a large number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to work in our FareShare food redistribution operation.
“These young people have often missed out on education and training opportunities. The support from Mars Food will enable them to confidently take the next steps on their journey and help SOFEA in its mission to enable people to transform their lives.
“We are truly delighted that Mars Food are supporting our network by supporting opportunities for more young people to develop skills and confidence in the workplace – which is another way of delivering social value from surplus food which is FareShare’s mission,” FareShaere UK CEO, Lindsay Boswell said.
Click here to sign up to Grocery Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
