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Food scientists, confectioners, brewers, gamekeepers, fish farmers, farm workers and engineers are just some of the careers available in this industry. Scotland has a rich larder of food, producing quality, premium and healthy produce, and with many international brands, it can be an exciting industry to work in.
There are a number of ways to get in to this industry. It all depends on the type of job you want.
There are jobs where you will need a degree but there are many opportunities available where you can learn on the job or do a Modern Apprenticeship. Whilst you’ll need specific qualifications for technical and specialist roles, employers are always looking for enthusiastic people who are team players, good timekeepers and have great communication skills.
Some typical qualifications include:
It has been forecast that between 2007 and 2017 the food and drink manufacturing industry will need up to 16,000 new recruits.
There will be a greater demand for management (all functions), professional (e.g. food science, engineering, purchasing) and technical roles (e.g. baker, butcher, chocolatier, cheese maker).
The industry needs highly skilled staff. Employers feel that IT, literacy, numeracy and business and financial management skills are increasingly important.
Check out some of the typical job roles available in the food and drink industry.
16th May 2013
Scottish fishing leaders have been told they can catch mackerel without endangering the species.The Marine Conservation Society has upgraded the status of mackerel caught by Scottish skippers, suggesting it is ethical as long as it is caught off Britain.Political and fishing industry leaders welcomed the decision.It comes as the Scottish industry is urging sanctions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands over what it says is over-fishing of mackerel.
16th May 2013
MSPs have approved legislation designed to reform the management of fish farming and wild fisheries.The Scottish Government's Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill gained unanimous backing at Holyrood.Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse told MSPs that robust enforcement of marine and fishing laws is "vital" in order to protect marine areas and fisheries in Scotland.
14th May 2013
The Scottish dairy industry needs to market itself better to secure its future, according to NFU Scotland.In response to the Scottish Government's review into the sector, it has suggested creating a Scottish Dairy Marketing Group to help it capitalise on growing demand for milk and other dairy products from around the world.Gary Mitchell, NFU Scotland's milk committee chairman, said the dairy sector was "at a crossroads".
There’s more to the food and drink industry than baking a loaf of bread. Careers span across science, technology, marketing, management and many other areas. HR director for food firm Macphie, Sylvia Halkerston, tells us about the varied roles in the industry and why one of them might be right for you.
‘If you reach Sunday night and you think, ‘Oh no it’s Monday tomorrow’ – get out, you’re in the wrong job,’ says Sylvia.
She believes the best way to make sure you look forward to Monday morning is to work somewhere that allows you to train and develop your career, which is something MacPhie offers. ‘I could give you many examples of people who have joined Macphie as one thing, but through training and development have progressed and progressed, and become something quite different,’ says Sylvia.
The company provides many different career paths for people of all ages and backgrounds:
For Sylvia, there’s no better feeling than seeing someone who’s joined Macphie as a school leaver go on to make their mark in the company.
‘We have one woman who came to work for us as a factory operative and worked her way through various training courses.
‘She got into the University of Abertay, Dundee, and graduated two years ago with a BSc in food science and food technology. These days she works in our research and development department.
‘And wherever you are in your career, there’s always the potential to move on in this industry,’ says Sylvia.
‘We had two employees, one who was reaching a landmark birthday and was thinking about winding down. We discovered they had a lot more to give. So we supported them through SVQs in management.’
Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships and whether it might be the right move for you.
Source 1: Improve - Careers Adviser IAG fact sheet 2012; Source 2: Skills investment Plan for the Scottish Food & Drink industry 2012
Please note that the content contained within the industry news section is copyright The Press Association.
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