For many meat processing businesses, recruiting British workers has been a long-standing challenge. Labour shortages, skills gaps and an ageing workforce continue to put pressure on production, and the industry remains little understood by many jobseekers.

That’s why the launch of IGD’s new Feeding Britain’s Future initiative is worth paying attention to. The programme aims to introduce young people to the huge variety of careers available across the food and drink sector, helping them develop employability skills and discover opportunities they may never have considered before. With almost one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, the initiative seeks to connect this untapped talent pool with an industry that urgently needs people.

For meat processors, one of the biggest obstacles has always been perception. Many young people simply don’t know what modern meat processing facilities look like, the technology involved, or the range of career paths available beyond entry-level production roles. Engineering, quality assurance, technical management, logistics, planning, maintenance and leadership opportunities are often overlooked because the sector is rarely promoted as a career destination.

IGD’s approach of engaging schools, teachers, parents and young people directly could help change those perceptions. By providing workplace experiences, site visits and real-life career stories, businesses have an opportunity to showcase the reality of today’s meat industry and attract future employees who may never otherwise have considered the sector.

While Feeding Britain’s Future won’t solve recruitment challenges overnight, it represents the kind of long-term workforce development the industry needs. Companies that engage early may not only help strengthen the sector’s future talent pipeline but also improve awareness of the rewarding careers available within meat processing.

At a time when many businesses are struggling to recruit, any initiative that helps young people discover opportunities in our industry should be welcomed and supported. Interestingly, another report out this week from Lantra, highlights the need for a national skills plan which would align with “national priorities such as food security, nature recovery and climate resilience – to strengthen the workforce, attract and retain new talent and keep training practical and accessible for small and rural businesses.”

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