Training Update

from Scottish Bakers Newsletter - December 2021

President Linda Hill visits members in Dundee & Angus

THE SCOTTISH BAKER TRAINING UPDATE

There is no doubt that the Food & Drink sector has been hit hard by Covid-19, Brexit and now the resurgence of some sectors in tempting our workforce away with increased pay levels.

Myself and the training team have heard a lot from the businesses we work in that they are struggling for staff and find that they don’t get many suitable applicants for the positions available. This is happening all across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

So how do we combat this? Here are just some suggestions:

• Offer competitive rates of pay (in comparison with competitors in different sectors if possible) • Celebrate success and milestones in the working day of your employees! • Attractive benefits (free uniform, subsidised goods, cycle to work scheme etc) • Ensure your workforce is valued and feels part of the business! • Invest in your workforce through Modern

Apprenticeship (MA) Training programmes! • Reward forward thinking staff that share ideas • Introduce succession planning into the business • Engage with local schools and colleges and open your doors to show the local communities the pride and passion you all have each and every day! • Promote the sector as a “great place to work” We at National Food & Drink Training, the training arm of YOUR Trade Association are here to help with the training requirements which will undoubtedly help with retention and recruitment of staff. By providing training opportunities for staff it will help to combat these serious challenges. Take a look at the NFDT website where you will find customers reviews of the training we provide.

Scott Anderson

Training & Quality Manager

RECENT CANDIDATE ACHIEVEMENTS

IPL LTD

IPL Ltd in Inchture, Perthshire is a company that procures, washes, grades and packages potatoes for sale in Asda. When they approached Scottish Bakers/ NFDT for Levels 2 and 3 training none of us had any idea the challenges that were about to hit with Covid!

Sara Wood, Technical Manager was keen that the staff were recognised for the hard work they all put in when facing big challenges to the business. Due to the pandemic they had an increase in demand and lots of staff shielding. When the first lockdown ended, all of the candidates were keen to restart but the company had strict rules about visitors onsite. We arranged to have our monthly review meetings via email and Zoom until restrictions allowed Training Advisor, Graeme Ayton to return. A small ceremony was held to present the certificates and

IPL Ltd staff

applaud their hard work under challenging circumstances. IPL are a big supporter of NFDT’s training, with another four candidates almost complete and another four ready to be signed up.