IGD is collaborating with the UK Department for Work and Pensions and companies such as Tesco and CCEP to provide extra employment support to young people who have been unable to find work due to the pandemic.
The group is running a variety of work experience programmes that teach skills necessary for employment in the food and drink industry, with more than 500 young unemployed people attending last week's edition.
Unemployment
With the UK facing high unemployment, IGD is aiming to support those out of work, especially younger people with little experience.
The over 500 participants attending the February programme heard from 18 industry professionals, ranging from CEO to apprentice, offering advice on the world of work in food and consumer goods. Various experts in the field discussed specific topics such as engineering, sales and marketing, sustainability, and technology, which are areas with skills gaps for the grocery industry.
Fiona Miller, director of people programmes at IGD, said the range of programmes offered will provide "employability skills that young people need to get their foot on the first rung of the career ladder."
Miller says the supports are a "key part of our mission to train 25,000 young people by 2023, providing invaluable opportunities for participants to develop their employability and life skills."
IGD reports that 86% of participants said they feel more confident about their employment prospects as a result of attending the programme.
IGD is hoping to reach more young people throughout the year as it continues to roll out the programme.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
