The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, which is funded by the Welsh Government, has reportedly delivered “tangible results” on its mission to build a “resilient, future-ready industry”.

Having launched in May 2023, the programme aims to help food and drink businesses across Wales to invest in their people and build a resilient, future ready industry.

By offering targeted training and development opportunities, the programme looks to help equip employees with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape – covering areas such as innovation, sustainability, leadership and digital transformation.

Welsh Government commented that the programme aimed to create a “confident, agile and highly skilled workforce that can respond to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities”.

Kate Rees, programme manager for Food & Drink Skills Wales said: “We’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm from businesses across Wales, who are embracing upskilling as a strategic priority.

“Our mission is to support food and drink businesses – particularly in the processing and manufacturing sectors – by ensuring their employees have access to the right training and development. We’re not just building skills, we’re building confidence, adaptability and a culture of continuous learning. This is about empowering individuals and strengthening the industry as a whole.”

Edwards, The Welsh Butcher highlighted the importance of investing in a workforce, with director Ieuan Edwards commenting: “There’s huge potential in the Welsh food and drink industry, especially for people who are curious, adaptable, and eager to grow. Programmes like Food & Drink Skills Wales are vital because they give people the tools and confidence to develop their careers, no matter where they start. It’s about opening doors and showing that there’s a future here for anyone willing to learn.”