Working with Mearns Academy to Address Food Science Skills Gap

According to research, one in four food scientist vacancies in Scotland remain unfilled. In a bid to address this problem, Macphie of Glenbervie, the UK’s largest independent food ingredients manufacturer, has teamed up with Mearns Academy to encourage pupils to think about a career in food science. Over 120 third year pupils were asked to form their own companies and launch a healthy eating muffin. They developed the product, manufacture it, created eye-catching packaging, an advert and a radio jingle.
Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, commissioned research to investigate the shortage of food scientists and technologists. Jack Matthews, chief executive of Improve said: “The latest research makes it clear that very few young people are choosing food science and technology courses straight from school. This means that when it comes to filling food scientist vacancies, there is a shortage of freshly qualified graduates who are looking for jobs.”

“Technological advancements and increased demand for new product innovation mean the number of food scientist and technologist roles is set to rise. Unless we get more young people choosing to work in these careers, by 2014 there will be a shortfall of 13,000 such roles.”
Macphie human resources director, Sylvia Halkerston, is convinced of the benefits of the school’s challenge, she said: “There are deep concerns in the food industry that the UK is not producing enough food scientists to maintain its worldwide reputation to drive innovation. While the next generation of job seekers is reluctant to consider the food industry as a career option, numerous universities are dropping sciences, engineering and food technology courses.”

“How do you ensure your future workforce has the skills your business needs? It’s simple. You catch them young. We have recognised for many years that, as employers, we have to work in partnership with those who are educating our young people. Many youngsters do not see beyond the white hats and coats of the food industry. The challenge makes direct links to the curriculum so that pupils can see where subjects taught can be applied to a real job. It gives us an opportunity to engage with young people and reposition food science as a gateway to some fantastic career opportunities. We are committed to maintaining our links with education and we believe it is the way forward.”

Mearns Academy Rector, Gordon Miller said: “Pupils always respond differently to both the commercial setting and the involvement of the Macphie staff. The experience is hugely significant for our students, as well as being highly motivational. The need for cleanliness in the factory; teamwork and common objectives; learning about the range of activities involved in product development; relating the curriculum to real life settings. These are all important aspects which can't be recreated in a school setting.”

Macphie recently won a Food and Drink Federation Community Partnership award for its commitment to education. In October 2005, Macphie signed a Determined to Succeed partnership with Mearns Academy. The challenge forms part of a rolling programme of exciting links between Macphie and education.

For further information please contact:
Karen Scott, Commercial Communications Manager, Macphie of Glenbervie Ltd,
Tel: 01569 740851 E mail: karen.scott@macphie.com