inspiring food and drink pathways
Date: Wednesday March 22
Time: 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Venue: SRUC - Aberdeen Campus, Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
Cost: Free
In a region of Scotland that produces over 60% of Scotland’s food and drink, this event will bring the Scottish Food & Drink Supply chain together in a fast paced, conference-style event that will highlight the careers opportunities available throughout the food chain and is aimed at industry, teachers and lecturers, students, pupils and parents.
From field to plate, this vibrant, key economic sector in Scotland needs motivated young people with STEM skills, a passion for feeding the world and the practical skills to work in the many fields that the industry can offer, including; nutrition, research, product development, sustainable production, food science, engineering and technology. Inspire them to find out more too!
There are fantastic career opportunities available - but the industry faces a skills gap in these vital roles – current estimates state that as many as 30,000 jobs will become available in the next ten years. Many young people, teachers, career advisors and parents are unaware that these opportunities exist, even though food and drink manufacturers represent 19% of all Scottish manufacturing jobs.
Throughout the day there will be a combination of short presentations on the main stage, as well as demonstrations and discussions in the Interactive Area. The event will play host to a wide variety of exhibitors who will showcase Scotland's Food and Drink supply chain with representation from inspiring young food entrepreneurs, artisan producers, large producers and a mix of food education partners, including SQA.
Common themes will be skills for the future of the food and drink sector, a joined-up approach to creating opportunities for young people to be involved and ensuring the right educational and vocational pathways exist in our schools, colleges and universities.
There will be plenty of information to take away - useful for teachers and lecturers in all subjects but particularly STEM and providing inspiration for young people and their parents. This event will be recognised as CPD for lecturers and teachers and an attendance certificate will be awarded.
Contributors will include large and small producers from the area, colleges and universities who offer relevant courses, representatives from the foodservice and retail parts of the supply chain and support bodies who can demonstrate the support there is in Scotland for young people who want to develop the knowledge, technical skills and understanding that will take them into the global, exciting world of food and drink.
To view the full programme, or to book your place, click here.