LHS alumni inspire pupils interested in careers in Food
On Friday 6 October, Loughborough High School welcome five alumni back to school as part of an event to inform and inspire pupils about the routes and pathways that are open to them after studying Food Technology. Francesca Voyce (LHS 201o), Zara Grace (LHS 2021), Emily Wilkins (LHS 2016), Fran Brannam (LHS 2019) and Caitlin Cannon (LHS 2017) all studied Food Technology at the High School and have successful careers within the Food Industry in roles that range from Marketing to Product Development.
The event came at a very important time of the year particularly as pupils begin to think about their next steps, whether that be GCSE subject choices, or finalising their UCAS applications.
As part of assembly and talks during lessons and lunchtime, they all spoke about how they chose their options for GCSE and A level and decisions they have made since leaving LHS and the paths these decisions have taken them down. They provided an insight into working in the food industry and advised on choosing subjects you love, and recommended pupils do research and work experience to check whether or not job roles were what they expected. The speakers emphasised that the food industry provides a vast array of opportunities, from data analytics, finance, marketing, and regulatory affairs; to product development, packaging, science, engineering and quality control.
Pupils in Year 8 were keen to know about what products the alumni had worked on, the biggest challenges they had faced and how long it takes from development of a product to market. They also took the opportunity to suggest new flavours for snack foods!
At lunchtime, pupils from across the Foundation benefitted from some 1:1 conversations that covered working in agriculture, routes into nutrition, and business roles in the industry. It was fantastic to see pupils making the most of this opportunity and particularly to see some Year 7s from LGS getting involved and taking advantage of their first careers event to find out about the world of work.
Emily Wilkins (LHS 2016), Research and Development Project Manager at PepsiCo, said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to return to the High School with other alumni to inform and inspire students to consider careers in the food industry.
From students choosing GCSE options, to degree courses we tailored our presentations and 1:1 chats to be relevant and helpful.
To hear students are now considering this as a future career is nothing but rewarding!”
Zara Grace (LHS 2021), Research and Development Intern at PepsiCo, said:
“What a great day spent back at School with 4 fellow alumni who share the same passion for inspiring the next generation to get into the food industry.
We gave some exciting talks to girls and boys across the Foundation and told them all about our experiences within the industry and how we got to where we are today! Our wide range of jobs gave them a great insight into the variety of the industry and demonstrated there’s space for everyone in food.”
