Skills Academy Launched for Food & Drink

The Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Angela Constance launched the Scottish Food & Drink Skills Academy (SFDSA) at a recent event in Edinburgh.  This virtual centre of excellence has been developed with support from Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council to promote quality training in the Food & Drink industry - one of the key sectors identified in the Government Economic Strategy.

The SFDSA will work with partners including the Scottish Agricultural College and the University of Abertay Dundee to deliver qualifications valued by the industry, including the newly developed Scottish Fellowship in Food and Drink award.  This will help employers access training to maintain Scotland's position as an exporter of internationally recognised high quality produce. 

Gerry McBride, Food and Drink Manager at Skills Development Scotland said: "The food and drink industry is a priority sector for Scotland, with job opportunities in areas including engineering, food science and food technology. The Skills Academy will offer up-to-date, relevant training in these key areas and others, to meet the needs of industry and help address skills gaps."

Membership of the academy is open to training providers working in the sector who can demonstrate they deliver excellent training tailored to the needs of the industry.  Further details can be found on the main Scottish Food & Drink Skills Academy website.