34 women at Young’s Seafood have become some of the first in the UK to achieve a new national qualification for women managers which was launched last year.

The Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Management was launched last year by Improve - the Sector Skills Council for Food & Drink. The intention was to equip women in this industry with the skills to take on more senior roles – currently just 23 per cent of food and drink managers are women.

The new scheme was offered last year to women managers across the Young’s business. Those who took up the challenge have now completed a study programme consisting of around 30 guided learning hours, including a two-day workshop and a written, work based assignment.

At a celebratory lunch, certificates were presented to the successful candidates by Ellen Cockburn, human resources director for Foodvest (parent company to Young’s). Everyone who passed the course is now equipped to move on to other study such as a diploma in management, the equivalent of a degree.

Jack Matthews, chief executive of Improve, said: “Young’s Seafood has long recognised the importance of ensuring its workforce is well-skilled, and is one of the most proactive food companies when it comes to investing in staff development. This is highlighted by the fact that so many employees have achieved the introductory certificate in management.”

Ellen Cockburn says, “We were delighted that so many of our female employees wanted to take up this opportunity. As well as developing important skills and knowledge they have gained in confidence which will benefit both the business and the individuals in their current and future careers.”


Pictured above:
Ellen Cockburn (centre right) presents the Level 3 Introductory certificate in Management to Team Coordinator Mandy Berry at a presentation held recently at Ross House in Grimsby. Looking on are (L-R) David Hickman, IMPROVE Operational Manager, and fellow recipients, Human Resources assistant Kerri Crofts, Raw Materials coordinator Kim Rispin, Team Coordinator Nicholette Jagger and (far right) Specifications Manager Michelle Wells. Second from right is Human Resources Controller Michelle Shepherd, who coordinated the scheme.