A new three-year impact report from the Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme highlights the significant contribution workforce development and careers initiatives are making to the growth, resilience and future success of Wales’ food and drink sector.
The report; 'Strengthening skills, supporting growth: A three-year impact report' showcases the programme’s achievements over the past three years, including support for 497 businesses, more than 1,400 individuals trained through around 2,000 training interventions, and engagement with over 11,000 pupils across Wales.
The report demonstrates how targeted investment in skills is helping businesses improve productivity, strengthen leadership capability and future-proof their operations, whilst inspiring more young people to consider careers in the food and drink industry.
The Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme provides tailored workforce development support and funded training opportunities to food and drink manufacturing and processing businesses across Wales. Eligible businesses can receive up to 80% funding towards approved training, supported by dedicated Workforce Development Managers who help identify skills gaps and development opportunities aligned to business goals.
Among the programme’s achievements highlighted in the report are the delivery of 750 Food & Drink Career Passports, more than 6,000 jobs advertised through FoodDrinkJobs.Wales, 59 case studies showcasing business success, and participation from 3,692 pupils in the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge.
Melanie Cargill, Programme Manager said:
“This report highlights the significant impact that investment in skills can have on both businesses and individuals. Over the past three years, we have worked closely with food and drink processors and manufacturers across Wales to help develop a skilled, productive and resilient workforce while also inspiring thousands of young people to explore careers in food and drink. The achievements showcased are a testament to the commitment of Welsh businesses and demonstrate how collaboration across industry, education and training can help build a stronger future for the sector.”
Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said:
“A skilled and adaptable workforce is essential to the continued success of Wales’ food and drink industry, one of our most important foundation sectors.
“This report demonstrates the real difference that targeted investment in people can make, helping businesses develop the skills they need to improve productivity, strengthen leadership and build resilience for the future.
“It is particularly encouraging to see the programme’s work not only supporting established businesses across Wales, but also inspiring thousands of young people to explore the wide range of rewarding careers available in the food and drink sector.
“By working closely with industry, education and training partners, we are helping to ensure the sector has the talent, expertise and confidence it needs to innovate, grow and compete, while creating opportunities for communities across Wales.”
Alongside workforce development, the programme continues to play an important role in raising awareness of careers within the sector. Through roadshows, study tours, school engagement activities and partnerships with organisations including Tasty Careers and Expoverse Wales, learners have gained valuable insight into the diverse opportunities available across food production, engineering, marketing, sustainability and food science.
The report includes testimonials from businesses across Wales that have benefited from training and support, highlighting impacts such as increased productivity, improved operational efficiency, enhanced employee confidence and stronger career progression opportunities.
The report concludes that collaboration between businesses, training providers, education partners and industry stakeholders has been key to strengthening the skills pipeline and ensuring the Welsh food and drink sector remains competitive and well positioned for future growth.
Further information about training opportunities, careers support and workforce development is available through Food & Drink Skills Wales.