McCain Foods has celebrated the latest graduates from its Manufacturing Academy, with 18 apprentices completing the internal training programme.

The brand held a graduation ceremony at its Scarborough headquarters last week, attended by Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume.

The graduates completed nationally recognised NVQs as part of the programme, which is designed to strengthen skills across McCain’s UK manufacturing operations.

Launched in 2022, the Manufacturing Academy offers NVQs from level two to level five, combining on-the-job learning with formal training.

The programme runs across McCain’s four UK sites in Scarborough, Whittlesey, Wombourne and Hull, and covers areas including logistics, food and drink production, business operations and leadership.

Since launch, 118 colleagues have enrolled in the Academy, with new cohorts starting every four months.

McCain said more than 25 per cent of participants have progressed into new roles, helping the business build a stronger pipeline of factory and operational talent.

Hume said: “Congratulations to this year’s Manufacturing Academy graduates. They should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.

“I’m passionate about initiatives like this because I want to see more people from Scarborough building successful careers in Scarborough. Programmes like the Manufacturing Academy prove you don’t have to leave our town to get on in life.”

She added that McCain’s investment in training had an impact “far beyond the factory gates”, supporting families, local businesses and the wider community.

McCain GB&I vice president of manufacturing Alison Rance said: “It is a real privilege to celebrate this year’s Manufacturing Academy graduates and the dedication they have shown to building their skills.

“It’s brilliant to see the ongoing impact the programme is having, supporting colleagues from all ages across the business to grow and progress in their careers.

“Moments like these highlight the role our people play in shaping the future of manufacturing at McCain.”

McCain Hull hygiene lead Paul Hilton, who took part in the programme, said the Academy had been “a real turning point”.

He said: “It’s given me the confidence and skills to step into a leadership role and take ownership of my development.

“It’s opened new opportunities and shown what’s possible with the right support, and I’d encourage others to give it a go and see where it can take them.”

McCain said employees can apply for the Manufacturing Academy following a consultation with their line manager to ensure the programme fits their development plan.

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