The Welsh Government has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales.

The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme is a Welsh Government funded programme committed to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It will focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry, aiming to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business.

Working across all sectors within the Welsh food and drink industry, it encourages employees to share knowledge and experience with fellow peers whilst also increasing confidence and flexibility in the workplace in order to make employees feel valued. It also aims to prepare employees to adapt to changes and opportunities in food production and manufacturing including technical, business and environmental challenges.

As part of the campaign, a new online Jobs Noticeboard is live with a number of vacancies available across the sector.

Kate Rees, programme manager at Food & Drink Skills Wales, said: “The programme offers support for food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry. This is to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business and the wider industry.

“The Jobs Noticeboard is filled with opportunities for those seeking a new or different career in the industry, while offering a wealth of support, advice and guidance to help navigate the different career opportunities and business areas that may be of interest to those wishing to explore further.”

The Welsh Government has revealed that it aims to grow the sector’s value to £8.5 billion as well as increase the number of employees in the sector who receive the Welsh Living Wage to 80%.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “There are so many diverse, exciting and rewarding roles and opportunities in our food and drinks industry. It’s important that people’s skillsets match those opportunities and this new service will provide the industry with the personnel required to see the sector grow further.”