A Perth-based meat processing company has been named Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Youth Employer of the Month for its commitment to Modern Apprenticeships and training.
A number of employees at ABP Food Group’s Inveralmond Industrial Estate site have completed their Food and Drink Operations meat and poultry processing Modern Apprenticeship training, with 14 workers currently receiving their apprenticeship training from Stewart McClymont of Scottish Meat Training.
The company’s Human Resources Officer Sonia Riveiro said ABP was delighted to receive the Award.
“We want the best people to work for us, so we invest strongly in training and development. We worked with SDS on a full workforce development plan including our youth engagement strategy, because it can be challenging to attract young people into our business and our industry, and it has worked,” said Sonia, who works with local schools to promote careers in the food industry.
ABP plans to recruit more Modern Apprentices in the next two years. The company recently worked with local long-term unemployed young people to help them get the skills to get back into work by offering CV writing and interview skills workshops.
Its workforce includes people from 11 nationalities. This prompted the company to offer language training, supported by Scottish Enterprise, which will give people access to more development opportunities.
It also works closely with minority communities support organisation MEAD to ensure their foreign workers have the support they need outside of work.
The company was nominated for the SDS Award by SDS Relationship Account Executive Claire Owens. “The importance ABP places on training and developing people is showing great results for individuals and the business and I am delighted that commitment has been recognised,” she said.
Chairman of SDS, John F McClelland CBE, added his congratulations, adding: “ABP’s commitment to training and developing its diverse workforce and its strong links with the local community are to be commended. The company is creating a clear career pathway that will help its employees reach their potential and bring benefits to the business.”
