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Food Matters Live’s Career Conversations podcast series shortlisted for Education Initiative at the FDF Awards 2022

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3 min read
AUTHOR: Stef Bottinelli
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Just six months since launching, Food Matters Live’s ‘Career Conversations’ podcast series has been nominated for the prestigious FDF Awards 2022 for its efforts in Education and encouraging young people into the Food & Drinks industry.

Hosted by former Jamie Oliver-trained chef Elisa Roche, Career Conversations was launched on January 21st with the purpose of supporting the food and drink industry, help it solve the issues of recruitment shortages, attract the best talent and showcase the variety of exciting career opportunities in the sector.

The Career Conversations podcast series talks to incredible people in the industry about how they got their jobs, and has hosted everyone from superstar nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, to scientist Marie Wright at ADM and from Bake Off star Benjamina Ebuehi to Alberto Lo Bue, the MD of food waste app OLIO.

“I am brand new to podcasting so this is an incredibly lovely surprise, says Elisa, who is a first-time podcast host after an illustrious career in food and drinks that has previously seen her cooking at 10 Downing Street with Jamie Oliver and being the Food Director at Future Publishing,

“I got my foot in the door of this industry thanks to an apprentice scheme set up by Jamie so I’m passionate about getting young people excited to join in and to know that there are mentors here waiting to encourage anyone from any background.”
She added: “We recently took the show on-the-road to Whitefield School in Barnet and spoke to Year 7 students who blew me away with their passion for food and their deep knowledge of it. I left there feeling very encouraged about the future of this industry.” 

Career Conversations, part of the Food Matters Live podcast, is executive produced by Head of Audio Anthony Zahra, Joanne Baldock sources and books the guests and the episodes are edited by Jane Long.
“To be up for an award just six months in is a remarkable landmark for us,” said Anthony, who previously worked in the BBC‘s national radio newsroom as a journalist and newsreader, “We couldn’t be happier to be recognised and we hope this awards nomination will help amplify what we’re trying to do which is to show young people and anyone thinking of a career change that the food & drinks industry is a fun, dynamic and incredible place to work.”  

Career Conversations is up against some big hitters in the Education category, from Britvic’s supported internships to Nestlé UK & Ireland’s ‘Virtual School Trip’ initiative.

The FDF is the membership body for the largest manufacturing sector in UK food and drink.  Its annual awards celebrate the diversity, effort and dynamism of those who work in the food and drink industry. This year will be the federation’s biggest awards yet, with professionals nominated across 19 categories from Apprentice of the Year to Scientist of the Year. 

The winners will be announced on 29 November 2022 during the FDF Awards ceremony hosted by restaurant critic Jay Rayner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

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