With concern over the next generation of staff coming into the industry frequently cited as one of the major issues facing fresh produce businesses, FPJ spoke to exhibitors at the Fresh Careers Fair in London to ask what they are doing to attract talent and why young people should be interested in a job in this sector.
Thanet Earth runs a successful fellowship scheme in partnership with Hadlow College, which has seen a conveyor belt of talent come into the industry. Emma Bullock, HR manager for the Kent glasshouse giant, says: “We are looking to grow our own people, who we hope will become future business leaders. We are investing in that with the fellowships, but also in terms of offering work placements via the local Job Centre, and getting involved with the Movement to Work scheme, which is backed by M&S.”
Karen Sharples, HR director for wholesale at Total Produce, says it can be difficult to attract new salespeople to the wholesale sector, particularly when work begins at 2am. “Generally it’s a case of word of mouth,” she points out. “Inevitably there is a degree of staff poaching that goes on in wholesale markets, but we try to get new talent in and develop them so they can move up within the company. We want people to have the potential to be a leader, and personality is key. You meet a lot of characters on the markets and there are bonuses based on profitability. If you’re really good you can do well within the business, and being part of a big plc means opportunity to move on. We are very open to people doing work experience placements, apprenticeships and so on as well.'
Sue Liu, of Spitalfields business Cook’s Delights, says anti-social hours is not the biggest problem when recruiting for wholesale roles. “The biggest thing for young people is they need to have a goal, they need some respect and a little bit of space for themselves,” she says. “Don’t keep them in the closet, bring them out and speak to them, give them goals. The minute they think they’re useless that’s the end.” Liu adds that as careers officers are becoming a thing of the past in schools, it’s down to employers to help nurture and support young people in their first jobs.
Martin Brown, director of recruiters Henderson Brown, points out that the attraction of fresh produce compared to FMCG is that it is a fast-paced industry with many opportunities, variety of work and the chance for international travel.
Charlotte Dews, who works in HR at contract caterer Elior, says that of the students who approached the stand during the day, four had already stood out as potential new recruits. “We don’t have a formal graduate recruitment scheme, we want young people to get in touch if they are interested in food and if they are suitable we will try and fit them in,” she says. “There are plenty of opportunities with Elior - we have teams in purchasing, accounts, sales, IT, admin or marketing.'
Management training scheme co-ordinator at G’s Fresh, Megan Pollexfen, says employers need to put in the legwork with universities and colleges in order to reach young people. “From when I started the calibre of young people is definitely improving. Colleges such as Harper Adams already have horticulture courses, but we have worked hard on building relationships with others like Newcastle University. It’s also worth having a presence at events like this, and try to get out to deliver talks.'
Kim McNulty, HR assistant at Freshtime, says the company is working on bringing people in from graduate programmes, and reveals that they have taken on a graduate development chef from Newcastle.
Morten Andresen, recruitment specialist atMorePeople, says events such as the Fresh Careers Fair offer a good opportunity to connect the industry with prospective new entrants. “It’s important to meet people looking to come into this business – only through talking and engaging with them can you work out who has the potential to progress,' he says. 'Personality is key.” Andresen goes on to state that the public “takes for granted what the industry does” and does not realise the extensive process of getting fruit and veg from seed to shelf. When they find out, they realise the wide range of roles available and the potential to earn good salaries. “Wages are comparable to other industries and have come a long way,” he concludes.
