A new study has highlighted the need for employers in the food and drink industry in Northern Ireland to sharply address a possible labour shortage created by waning youth interest.

There are more than 18,000 full-time employees in food and drink manufacturing throughout Northern Ireland, but a survey commissioned by the food and drink sector skills council, Improve, has shown that only three per cent of 16-18-year-olds are interested in a career in the industry.

The report also found that 90 per cent of students and parents surveyed are unaware that graduates receive multiple job offers upon graduating, while 60 per cent of students were unsure what food courses involve and 51 per cent of teachers said no one approached pupils with information on food and drink careers.

Improve chief executive Jack Matthews said: “The industry is currently worth £3 billion a year to the Northern Ireland economy, and with 6,000 new staff required in the country by 2017, this research shows the urgent need to alter perceptions of the food and drink industry in Northern Ireland and educate students as to the benefits of a career in the sector.

“It illustrates that both parents and teenagers know little about the qualifications and careers available to them and there is a lack of information coming from the industry. Too many people still think of the industry as low paid and subject to poor working conditions.

“In fact there are dozens of courses, qualifications and well-paid jobs available, with progressive employers prioritising training and development among their staff."

Around one in four vacancies for food scientists and technologists across the UK are unfilled, with top professionals earning up to £70,000. The industry in Northern Ireland is predicted to need expanding numbers of high-skill level occupations, according to Improve.

Some 24 per cent of students believe that the industry can only offer short-term roles, with 55 per cent of parents thinking the same

The study surveyed more than 3,300 students, teachers and parents across 30 schools - the first time such a comprehensive piece of research into perceptions of the food and drink manufacturing industry has been carried out in Northern Ireland.

The report suggests that Improve and the nation’s careers and education providers work together to inform teachers and parents, engage with students and encourage employers to share their experiences and insights of the industry with younger people.

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