The recently completed Food and Drink Skills Audit has unveiled significant insights and recommendations aimed at bolstering the food and drink industry both in the Midlands region and around the country.
The audit was conducted by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in collaboration with the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) and includes international case studies through TUS’s participation in the RUN EU University network, along with reviews of national and regional policies from agencies such as Teagasc and Fáilte Ireland.
It highlights the critical skills needed, challenges faced and strategic actions required to enhance the sector’s sustainability, competitiveness and growth.
Findings
Key findings from the report include the following.
- Recruitment and Talent Retention: Companies face significant challenges in recruiting staff with the necessary skills in food safety, management and technical expertise.
- Challenges in Education and Training: The qualitative research reiterates the importance of maintaining food and drink-related courses despite fluctuating student demand. It also highlights the necessity of attracting skilled instructors.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Sustainability emerged as a critical focus for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with businesses actively implementing eco-friendly practices. However, challenges such as high costs were noted.
- Collaboration and Support: There is a strong willingness among companies to collaborate with other SMEs, educational institutions and industry bodies to address common challenges.
- Diverse Skill Requirements: The audit identifies ten essential areas for future growth, which reflects the multifaceted nature of the industry and the need for a broad skillset.
‘Continued Development’
On the findings, the director of research development at TUS Dr Anthony Johnston said, “We had excellent participation from SMEs and stakeholders across the region, demonstrating their passion for the food and drink industry.
“There’s a clear desire to succeed in business while benefitting from the region through sustainable job creation.
“We need to continue to invest in education relating to the food and drink industry, including at both craft and management level.”
Recommendations
To address these findings, the report outlines eight key recommendations.
- Establish a learning journey for stakeholders to visit successful food regions abroad.
- Create a centralised website promoting all food-related courses in the region.
- Invest in food tourism pride through continuous workshops and training events.
- Develop additional markets and events in the region.
- Offer training courses on food visitors attraction development.
- Implement a short-advanced programme on the Future of Food in regional Europe.
- Fund a post-graduate research student to support policy development.
- Retain existing food- and drink-related skills programmes during low demand cycles.
Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee Dr Anne Cusack said, “This initiative is a crucial part of our regional food and drink strategy, which aims to promote indigenous consumption, exports, and visitor engagement.
“The Midlands is home to some of the finest food and drink producers in the country with a wide selection of award-winning products from across the region so it’s more important than ever that we support this industry so that it can continue to thrive.”
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