A new poster aimed at highlighting the careers available in the Scottish red meat industry has been launched ) by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland.
The Red Meat Journey Career Path Poster aims to increase awareness among young people on the wide range of exciting career opportunities available throughout the red meat supply chain, including the value add manufacturing sector.
Covering careers available on farm, auctions markets, abattoirs, butchers and retailers, processors and manufacturers, and restaurants, the poster will be used at career events and school workshops. It will also be distributed to every secondary school in Scotland over the coming weeks.
Jennifer Robertson, QMS Health and Education Coordinator said that with over 50,000 jobs linked to the production of beef, lamb and pork in Scotland, there are a huge number of opportunities out there for youngsters.
“Scotland produces world-renowned brands – Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork – but the future of these fantastic products depends on the skills, enthusiasm and commitment of those who work in our industry.
“We hope that this poster will increase awareness of the red meat sector in Scotland and the exciting career opportunities that are on offer within it.”
Lisa Finnigan, winner of the 2015 Young Scottish Butcher of the Year award and butcher at Inverurie-based butcher Davidsons Specialist Butchers, said she would encourage young people to look at jobs in butchery, as well as the wider Scottish red meat industry, when thinking about future career options.
“I started off working in the bakery department here at Davidsons and then I trained to become a fully qualified butcher,” said Lisa.
“Since then, my career has gone from strength to strength. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I’ve achieved things I’m really proud of.”
Moira Stalker, National Co-ordinator for FDF Scotland’s Schools Programme, said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with QMS on this resource. There are so many job opportunities available in the food and drink manufacturing industry, including: science, product development, engineering, marketing, nutrition and design.
“This poster will help youngsters understand where their food comes from, how it’s produced and the variety of careers involved.”
