Finnebrogue celebrates exam results for its 250 student employees in Downpatrick

Following receipt of their exam results this week, Finnebrogue Artisan hosted an information day for its newly recruited student population on Thursday 12^th August at its site in Down Business Park.

It was a celebration of their hard work and an opportunity for them to understand more about ‘what next’ pathways in the food manufacturing sector and from the local colleges and schools in attendance. CAFRE and SERC spoke to students about their options.

The celebration also included sampling many of the tasty products they are helping to put on the UK’s supermarket shelves, such as Naked Bacon and Naked Sausages.

Careers in the food industry

The food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, employing 4 million people and generating around £121 billion annually for the economy. It’s a rich industry filled with many career opportunities in production, manufacturing, and distribution, from apprenticeships and entry level graduates to promising careers in food technology and product development. There is also an abundance of roles in marketing, HR and supply chain – and this diversity is what makes it an attractive and exciting place to work. 

Working with local schools and colleges

Following consultations with local schools and colleges, Finnebrogue introduced a new flexible shift pattern in April, which attracts local students and enables them to earn while they learn. The four-hour shift, three days or two days per week, gives many students their first experience of work, and an opportunity to strengthen core employability skills in communication, team-work and reliability. 

Melissa Elliot. Head of Talent Acquisition & Retention, commented:

“Our Finnebrogue student jobs initiative has been hugely successful, providing us with invaluable help in our efforts to feed the nation. 

“From a community perspective, we have strengthened our relationships with local schools and colleges and provided invaluable paid work experience to the next generation of workers. That’s a win win for our business, the local community and the local economy.”