Blessed are the cheesemakers in pledge to help youngsters...

Ornua Foods UK promises to support youths to kickstart career in the food industry

CHEESE and butter supplier Ornua Foods UK is offering young people the chance to join the company on a six-month work placement - as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Ornua, based in Leek, is giving six unemployed youths the chance to kickstart their career via the paid placements, and provide them with skills and experience needed to begin a career in the food industry.

The company has roles available in the sales, marketing, procurement, operations, supply chain, technical and finance and HR departments at its Sunnyhills Road factory.

Participants will be required to work 25 hours a week and will gain a variety of qualifications during the placement.

Kate Taylor, employer brand and engagement coordinator at Ornua Foods UK, said: “Over the past number of years, we have been working closely with local schools to showcase the variety of roles at Ornua Food UK, breaking the stigma that we ‘just pack cheese.’

“While we do pack cheese, it requires a large number of varied roles to make this possible and these exciting career opportunities are available in what we believe is the most advanced facility of its type in Europe.

“We are looking forward to welcoming a selection of youths to not only help them onto the career ladder but to also give them an insight into the world of food and drink - an industry that has seen phenomenal growth during the global pandemic.”

The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) is acting as a gateway organisation that is working with many of the major names in the food and drink sector to create a well-rounded experience for participants.

At the same time, the NSAFD is partnering with Youth Employment UK who will support all ‘Kickstarters’ by equipping them with the essential skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

SECRET GARDEN: One of Leek’s hidden garden gems is to reopen this week.

John Hall Garden is a walled garden, based in Fowlchurch Road. It is run by Rethink Mental Illness, using gardening as a way to improve and maintain mental health and wellbeing. A spokesperson said:

“We maintain the garden with mature borders, a vegetable patch, lawn and pond. We even have a topiary bear hiding in the garden. Plants are cared for to sell and we currently have a wide selection including perennials, tomatoes and currant bushes.

“We apologise to anyone who attempted to visit the garden over the last two weeks and found us closed. This was to maintain the safety of people using the service, during the recent rise in Covid-19 infections in Leek.

“Starting on Wednesday, June 23 we plan to reopen on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. We will also be opening on Saturdays, June 26 and July 31, from 9am to 4pm.

“As things can change, if you are travelling to visit us, you may wish to phone us on 01538 387111, before your visit.”