More than 60 food and drink manufacturing companies are leading a drive to boost the number of women managers in the sector, by claiming cut-price training through a government initiative designed to get more women into male-dominated industries.
Companies including Tate & Lyle, Northern Foods and Young’s Seafood have claimed funding from Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, to subsidise 90 per cent of the course costs for women workers to complete a certificate in management from the Chartered Management Institute. Funding was secured through the national Women & Work initiative, in a bid to redress the gender imbalance in food and drink manufacturing, where women make up just 23 per cent of managers. The scheme is open to women employees in England at any position or level. Improve’s subsidy means that for an employer contribution of just £50 per employee, each person on the course will receive £500 worth of training.
“Improve has championed a fantastic initiative as part of the Women and Work scheme. I hope the subsidised training will help others like me, who have returned to work after having a baby, to get back on the career ladder and work towards a management role,” said Diane Winship, business support manager at Tate & Lyle, who is mid-way through the course.
The course takes 30 hours of guided learning, comprising a two-day workshop, a written assignment and a work-based project. The workshop covers subjects such as development planning, internal communication and motivational skills.
Paula Widdowson, commercial director at Improve, wants to remind employers that it is not too late to sign up. “There is still some funding left for this opportunity, so any interested employers should contact Improve as soon as possible,” she said. “By equipping women with relevant skills and knowledge, this course will allow them to take on more senior roles. Not only will that benefit employees - helping to increase earning potential and advance career development - it will also help employers.”
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