Volunteers wanted for fantastic school workshop programme

The NPA's Georgina Crayford is looking for volunteers to take part on workshops in schools promoting careers in the food and grocery industry.

IGD – the Institute of Grocery Distribution is a research and training charity which sits at the heart of the food and grocery industry.

Their campaign ‘Feeding Britain's Future’ aims to bring the industry together to inspire the next generation with skills for work. As part of this campaign, IGD have planned a schools programme that includes workshops in secondary schools across the UK aimed at promoting careers in the food and grocery industry.

Since 2015 IGD have trained 25,000 students with the support of 5,500 industry volunteers from over 200 companies and now they are recruiting volunteers for workshops in September, October and November. 

I myself have volunteered in the past and will be signing up to volunteer at one or two workshops this Autumn. I know a few YNPA members have also volunteered previously. It is a fantastic, rewarding experience and a great way to inspire the next generation to consider a career in agriculture and the allied trades.

What does it involve?

• There are two types of workshops. One is a food & grocery sector workshop, while the other specialises in STEM careers, aimed at A-level Science and Maths students. Anyone with technical, science, engineering, digital and IT roles is encouraged to volunteer for the STEM workshops!
• The 2 hour sessions will be led by an experienced facilitator. Your role will be to participate in set activities that will enable you to answer questions about your job, career journey and the skills you use at work.
• We’ll also be helping the students (Years 9 and 12&13) to develop their employability skills and will be focusing in particular on CV’s so you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts and insights based on your own experiences.

No preparation is needed ahead of the workshops… all you need to do is turn up!

For more information, including dates, venues and how to take part, email me at Georgina.Crayford@npanet.org.uk