Interested in Careers

There are many exciting reasons to work in food and drink. It is rewarding, you can make a difference, and there truly is a role for everyone, whatever your strengths or interests.

Scotland’s food and drink industry is a powerhouse, generating billions in turnover and exports and providing thousands of jobs across the country. It is also the largest manufacturing employer in Scotland, made up of many smaller businesses alongside major companies that employ a significant share of the workforce.

A job for everyone

Use the filters on this page to find the information you need in the format that suits you. You can browse real‑life case studies, explore different sectors and types of roles, and access guidance that can help you uncover your ideal route into the food and drink industry.

​The “who can help” links take you straight to partner organisations where you can explore resources in more depth and identify additional support, programmes and opportunities that may be available.

Featured
Key Messages About Working in food and Drink

Find Your Future in Food and Drink provides a comprehensive resource for employers, educators and jobseekers alike, showcasing the the sectors diverse and rewarding career paths.

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Build a Burns Supper

A relaunched version of a much-loved teaching resource based on a Burns Supper.

Originally created by Developing the Young Workforce, the range of resources from employers and partners showcases careers in the food & drink and land-based industries.

It is designed to help young people understand where our national food & drink comes from.

With Scots celebrating Burns Night every January, it is tied into the theme of a traditional Burns Supper, incorporating the ingredients for which Scotland is most famous.

From growing vegetables for soup and rearing salmon, through to sheep farming, making ice cream and the crucial dram, this highlights the opportunities a career in food & drink can offer.

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Resource: new toolkit outlines reasons to find a future in food
Resource: new toolkit outlines reasons to find a future in food

A newly released toolkit – called Find Your Future In Food & Drink - provides a comprehensive resource for employers, educators, and jobseekers alike, showcasing the sector's diverse and rewarding career paths.

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Your guide to Graduate Apprenticeships
Your guide to Graduate Apprenticeships

Fancy some fully funded degree-level training for your employees? Then it’s time to find out a bit more about Graduate Apprenticeships.

Publication type: article

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Food for thought: can work-based training address skills shortages?
Food for thought: can work-based training address skills shortages?

Professor Gillian Murray from Heriot-Watt University asks if Graduate Apprenticeships can be one answer to addressing our skills shortage.

Publication type: article

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Food & drink bosses take on Apprentice for a Day challenge
Food & drink bosses take on Apprentice for a Day challenge

Bosses of leading food & drink organisations have gone back to the workfloor to experience life as an “apprentice for a day”.

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Food and drink sector offer ideal place to work
Food and drink sector offer ideal place to work

With Scotland's unemployment rate at an all-time low, there is fierce competition to attract a skilled and flexible workforce.

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Resource: Skills Development Scotland
Resource: Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland works directly with employers across Scotland, providing trusted advice that helps employers invest in existing skills and develop new talent using equal and inclusive recruitment.

Publication type: website

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Resource: apprenticeships options
Resource: apprenticeships options

You may already employ apprentices, or be thinking about getting involved. Visit the apprenticeships.scot website to get an overview of what’s on offer.

Publication type: website

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Resource: routes into food education
Resource: routes into food education

This shows information about pathways and progression routes into the food & drink industry that might provide inspiration on ways to develop the skillset of your workforce.

Publication type: website

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Resource: Skills Development Scotland
Resource: Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland works directly with employers across Scotland, providing trusted advice that helps employers invest in existing skills and develop new talent using equal and inclusive recruitment.

Publication type: website

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Resource: Recruitment and Retention Toolkit
Resource: Recruitment and Retention Toolkit

The full 68-page recruitment and retention toolkit from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership provides a comprehensive guide for employers.

Publication type: pdf

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