Pioneer Foods opens its doors to local students

Pioneer Foods welcomed young students into its factory for a taste of life in the food sector.

Fourteen students from Bishop Stopford School in Kettering took a behind-the-scenes factory tour of Pioneer Foods.

The Year 10 students, who are studying a Level 2 course in Logistics, attended a talk on Pioneer Foods by CEO, John Hiles, followed by a factory tour of the cereal-making process. They then had the opportunity to create their own muesli in a workshop session.

Claire Ette, teacher at Bishop Stopford school said: “It’s a great opportunity for the students to attend these workshops and get a real taste of what it’s like in a working environment, which a lot of these students have never experienced. It’s perfect for their portfolio and for modules coming up next year.”

Pioneer Foods launched the workshop as part of its commitment to working with the local community and to help young people progress their future careers.

John Hiles, CEO of Pioneer Foods, commented: “We’re delighted to have welcomed Bishop Stopford School into our factory. It’s important for us to invest in young people to allow them to get a taste of working life.”

“Through holding these experience days, we can provide an educational insight into the manufacturing industry and encourage young people to think of their future careers. We hope this event will be the first of more to come.”

Broden, aged 15, said: “It was really interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes at the factory, especially all the work that goes into making cereals which we see everyday on supermarket shelves.”