Burton’s Biscuit Company has welcomed unemployed youngsters through its doors this week to offer skills and training in the food manufacturing industry.

As part of the Feeding Britain’s Future initiative, launched by food and grocery industry body IGD, the bakery manufacturer has invited those aged between 16- and 24 years old to its UK sites for a series of one-day workshops.

Unemployed young people visited Burton’s Biscuit Company’s manufacturing sites in Blackpool, Edinburgh and Llantarnam, in addition to the company’s headquarters in St Albans.

Jackie Kent, head of HR at Burton’s Biscuit Company, said: “As the UK’s largest manufacturing segment, the food and drink sector industry has a lot to offer the employees of tomorrow. Through initiatives like this, we’re able to generate a better understanding of, and hopefully interest in, a truly exciting sector with some really interesting prospects.”

The firm has also been working with local Job Centres to provide attendees with workshops on interview skills including mock interview role-playing and advice on completing application forms.

Other features of the day-long workshops included talks from employees and factory tours to offer an insight to the work at Burton’s Biscuit Company, which produces such brands as Jammie Dodgers, Wagon Wheels and Cadbury’s biscuits under licence.