Kepak (home to £106.7m chilled ready meals brand Rustlers*) has become the first food business in the UK to offer free training places in partnership with The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, in a move to minimise the impact of labour shortages currently impacting the industry.
The Food Passports initiative gives participants the opportunity to complete courses relating to the food and drink industry, which can be used to help kickstart a career at the company thanks to Kepak also pledging to guarantee an interview for every candidate who complete the training.
Kepak has pledged to fund 100 training courses, with an additional 100 places being match-funded by The National Skills Academy, taking the total to 200.
The training places are available across Scotland, England and Wales at four Kepak sites located in Aberdeen, Kirkham, Bodmin and Merthyr – where the company recently announced a £5.5m site investment to help meet rising demand for its products.
On being the first food company to pledge their support for the scheme, Cian Short, Early Careers Manager, Kepak Group said: “Being the first food business to pledge training places through our partnership with the NSA, and supporting initiatives like the Food Passport scheme, we hope to encourage many to consider a career in the industry. At Kepak we are committed to being a good employer including offering roles with progression opportunities and long term career prospects. This investment is further evidence of that commitment in action.”
NSAFD Chief Executive, Louise Cairns said: “Since it’s national launch last year, the Passport has gained considerable support as an innovative new recruitment route and it’s excellent to have businesses like Kepak on board and pledging preferential recognition including guaranteed interviews for holders.”
Source: Source: Nielsen Total Micro Snacking, 52 & 12WE 29th October 2022.
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