IGD announce virtual work experience programme

IGD’s virtual work experience programme provides insight into the diverse range of opportunities our industry has to offer and helps participants develop the skills they need through live interactive workshops and hands-on projects.

The food and grocery industry is growing, with jobs to suit everyone. This fast-paced and diverse industry, has opportunities for all qualification levels, including in-demand STEM skills within Science, Technology, Engineering and Analytics.

Throughout the week you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Listen – Gain insights from leaders of big brand and retailers
• Engage – Ask questions and find out how to get ahead in your career
• Create – Take part in projects and pitch your ideas to senior leaders.

Fiona Miller, Director of People Programmes at IGD, regarding National Careers Week:

“In National Careers Week, we’re thrilled to announce our next virtual work experience week will start on 24 May and is available to young, unemployed people (aged 18-25) as well as school and college students from Year 10 through to Year 13.

“The May session follows an incredibly successful work experience week in February when over 500 young and unemployed people received invaluable employability skills training amid a burgeoning unemployment crisis in the UK.

“The week-long work experience programme develops essential employability skills and boosts confidence in a bid to kickstart young peoples’ job search at a time they need it most. It also highlights the fantastic opportunities in the food and consumer goods industry, which is the UK’s biggest private sector employer. Participants hear from industry professionals, ranging from CEO to apprentice, providing unrivalled advice and insight into the world of work. Industry experts focus on specific topics including engineering, sales and marketing, sustainability, and technology, highlighting key areas where there are known skills gaps for the industry.

“Our virtual work experience programme is 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. To date, our employability programmes have trained over 50,000 young people and we’re committed to equipping this group with the capability to thrive in the workplace providing an unrivalled understanding of the opportunities available and workplace skills to help drive productivity.”

Dionne Lai, a participant of IGD’s work experience programme in November, comments on the benefits of the programme:

“The daily sessions with experts were extremely interesting and the deep dive project was such a fantastic opportunity.

“I’m really interested in marketing but had no experience, so hearing directly from industry experts, coupled with my own independent research, meant I could translate everything I learnt into the project and had something tangible to share in interviews.

“The week was an incredible confidence boost; it helped me see I can do anything I set my mind to. This confidence has helped me land my dream job – there were 600 applicants for one role, so I’m feeling incredibly chuffed and happy!”