UK food and drink businesses are hiring more area-specific apprentices amid current labour shortages, new figures show.
According to data from the Department for Education, maintenence engineer apprenticeships have increased by 75% among young people, with a 25% rise for technical operators between August and October 2022 – areas with significant skills shortages.
As a result, the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) are urging the UK government to do more in supporting companies to invest in their resources into future workforces.
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As part of this, the NSAFD and FDF are looking for greater flexibility in the Apprenticeship Levy, allowing employers to use unspent funds to invest in shorter, modular training and help drive growth and productivity in the UK’s largest manufacturing sector.
“We are thrilled that these two newly updated, sector flagship, apprenticeship standards are thriving in a decreasing apprenticeship landscape,” NSAFD CEO, Louise Cairns said.
“The sector works hard to develop these standards to ensure they meet their future skills needs and are demonstrating their commitment by investing over £6.5m in apprenticeship starts in the three months to October 2022.
“A real example of food and drink employers embracing the employer led model by developing and investing in apprenticeship programmes that are fit for purpose.”
FDF head of industry growth, Caroline Keohane added: “With a footprint in every region and nation in the UK, food and drink companies employ nearly half a million people and provide career opportunities at all levels in a range of roles from engineers and technical operators to marketeers and finance.
“Our manufacturers realise apprenticeships bring a more diverse, motivated and loyal workforce. But we need more support particularly for smaller businesses who need a more hands on approach with identifying the right apprenticeship programmes, funding and training providers.”
