On Thursday, January 8, over 200 pupils from Millburn Academy in Inverness attended a special food and drink careers fair where they discovered the variety of exciting opportunities the sector has to offer.
The whole of S2 attended the event organised in partnership between the Academy and Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland to learn more about the huge variety of careers available across the food chain, from farm to fork and sea to plate - and the skills required by employers.
The students met industry and education representatives and took part in fun interactive activities where they saw the links between careers in food and drink and the subjects they are studying in school.
Local farmer, Richard Jones, who is based in Nairn, was there to inspire the youngsters with some local produce. There were also representatives from Royal Highland Education Trust; LANTRA; Scottish Qualifications Authority; University of the Highlands and Islands Inverness; Scotland Food & Drink; and STEM Learning providing a range of hands on workshops for the pupils to learn directly about the skills required in the sector.
Moira Stalker, skills manager, FDF Scotland, said: “This event brought to life the variety of exciting career opportunities available in the food and drink industry – including science, product development, engineering, marketing, nutrition and design. With partners we are inspiring the next generation of food and drink leaders.”
Rita Karikas, head of health and food technology; Katy Griffiths teacher of health and food technology; Ann McRae, teacher of health and food technology, Millburn Academy, said: “Thanks to FDF Scotland for helping to organise this successful event. We are grateful to everyone that attended and gave the pupils a wonderful insight into the many careers opportunities the food and drink industry has to offer, the skills required by employers and the routes to access them.”