Jess Dummer, from Cedars Upper School in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, is not only celebrating the end of school but also winning a Scholarship and Ambassadorship with Sacla’, the Pesto Pioneers.
It means she will receive financial support throughout university as well as valuable work experience and mentorship.
Jess beat numerous other applicants for the prestigious scheme which is now in its fourth year.
Jess, who is 18, says: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen for this scholarship! Getting support and guidance from one of the leaders in the food business in the UK is highly beneficial to kick start my career in an industry that is needed now more than ever.”
Jess continues: “At university, I’m going to be studying Food Science and Product Development with the aim of becoming a good technologist after my course. This career will hopefully bring out my more creative side with food as I am able to create new flavours of food varieties, whether it be a flavour of crisp or a new flavour of cheese!”
“I do eventually want to go abroad and potentially work in different food sectors across the world so that I can have a wider understanding of food in different countries.”
Sacla’ has awarded the financial scholarship for university study starting in September as part of its established partnership with leading youth charity, Working Options, to improve social mobility and the food lives of future generations. It is part of an on-going programme of attracting socially diverse talent into their business. Jess will receive a financial scholarship worth £5000 for each year of her food related degree course and she will also get the valuable opportunity to carry out work experience placements at Sacla’ headquarters in Beaconsfield.
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Clare Blampied, Managing Director of Sacla’, says: “We are so excited to support Jess in the next stage of her education. Sacla’ is a proud long-time supporter of Working Options and it’s fantastic that they are continuing to support young people in this way. It’s financially tough for young people leaving school or sixth form college and considering university, particularly for those from areas of higher deprivation.”
The charity – Working Options in Education – says many intelligent students are being denied the chance to go to university because of worries about finance and being unaware of their options. Working from home has also destroyed valuable work experience opportunities and apprenticeship schemes.
Paul Monk, CEO, set up the charity in 2010 because he vividly remembers being an 18 year old and not having much idea of what it was possible to achieve in life and more importantly, being totally unaware of what he was capable of because he had no real career or education guidance.
He says: “I wanted to level the playing field for those not receiving the right support network at school or at home. This year we really are facing a crisis and unless businesses step up – to help with valuable experience or funding for training or university – many bright talented people will lose their chance for a better future.”
The food and hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard and students contemplating a career in food and drink businesses are finding it difficult to gain advice or work.
As many students look forward to their first term at university this September, Paul is appealing for more businesses to come forward and help.
He says: “The challenge now is to build back a better economy with opportunities for all young people.” Sacla’ has already awarded five financial scholarships for university study as part of its established partnership with us. This is part of an ongoing programme of supporting students. We’d encourage other companies that are able to offer scholarship opportunities or work experience placements to get in touch with us.”
