Food for thought - new qualification is the making of pupils
26 February 2014
Young people across Scotland will soon be able to get their teeth into a new skills based qualification that will give them a taste of a career in the country's multi-billion pound food and drink industry.
The new Skills for Work qualification in Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry, which was developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and supported by the Scottish Food and Drink Federation Schools Programme, aims to help young people develop a better understanding of how their food gets from the field to the table and the career opportunities that are available to them within the sector.
The qualification will provide opportunities for the development of skills for life, learning and work, with a strong emphasis on enhancing attitudes for employability within the industry.
The new course, which has had input from a number of key employers within the sector including Walkers of Aberlour and Kettle Produce, will give candidates an overview of the scale of the sector and its importance to the economy.
The course will also highlight the variety of jobs available in the industry, an insight into the scientific and technological solutions behind the production of food, the journey products take from development right through to launch as well as the safety and legislative requirements that underpin the sector.
Schools and colleges are also encouraged to foster relationships with food and drink businesses, giving candidates the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with local companies. These relationships with employers are a key component of SQA's Skills for Work Courses, which were one of the first qualifications developed to follow the principles of Curriculum for Excellence.
Speaking about the new course, Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive, said: “We are committed to providing qualifications that develop the employability skills of the people undertaking them. Scotland's food and drink sector is widely regarded as a fantastic success story and we want to ensure that we are playing our part, enabling young people to enter the sector with the right skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in their chosen careers.”
Dr Alastair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages, said: “Scotland's food and drink industry is going from strength to strength and this Government is determined to ensure young people can gain an understanding of this growing sector and develop the skills they need for a career in this area. This new qualification is a great step forward as it will help potential employees understand the variety of jobs in the industry and give them hands on experience with local businesses.
“Of course, developing skills and knowledge and preparing pupils for the world of work is a key strength of Curriculum for Excellence and I am pleased to see more opportunities opening up for our young people.”
Dr Colette Blackwell, Director at the Scottish Food and Drink Federation Schools Programme, said: “SFDF is delighted to support the launch of this new qualification which we're sure will prove to be extremely beneficial to those who study for it and also to Scotland's food and drink industry. Students who achieve this qualification will gain useful insight into what it is like to work in a food and drink business while having opportunities to develop skills for life, learning and work. This experience will prove invaluable to anyone considering a career in food and drink and will really give them the edge over their competition in the job market. At SFDF we are looking forward to working with SQA and schools across Scotland to deliver this new qualification and encourage more people to consider a career in this innovative, thriving industry.”
The new qualification, which is credit rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) at level 5 was launched at Bathgate Academy in West Lothian and will be available to schools and colleges later this year.
Notes for editors
About SQA:
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is responsible for the development and delivery of the new National Qualifications which are being introduced to support Curriculum for Excellence.
We help people realise their potential and achieve their ambitions by providing a wide range of high-quality, internationally recognised qualifications.
SQA works in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and industry to provide high quality, flexible and relevant qualifications and assessments - embedding industry standards where appropriate. We strive to ensure that SQA qualifications are inclusive, accessible to all, that they provide clear progression pathways, facilitate lifelong learning and recognise candidate achievement.
Find out more about SQA International
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