Food and drink manufacturers in the south-west are being urged not to miss out on an opportunity to gain heavily subsidised training for their female employees.

Improve, food and drink sector skills council, is offering 625 places for women working in the food and drink industry to complete a level-three introductory certificate in management from the Chartered Management Institute. To take part, employees must register on the course before the end of March.

Improve is funding 90 per cent of the training costs, so for an employer contribution of just £50 per employee, each person on the course will receive £500 worth of training.

“This is an excellent opportunity for companies to invest in training their female employees,” said Paula Widdowson, commercial director at Improve. “Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and are filling up fast, so I would urge any interested employers to contact Improve as soon as possible.

“In the south-west, women make up just 23 per cent of managers in the food and drink sector, so they're hugely under-represented. This course will equip women with the skills and knowledge to take on more senior roles. It is open to employees at any position or level and will help them increase their earning potential and further their career development. Successful completion of the course will provide the necessary foundation to study towards a diploma in management, the equivalent of a degree.”

The certificate takes 30 guided learning hours comprising a two-day workshop and completion of a written assignment and work-based project. The workshop can be delivered at a company premises, providing more than 12 women from that company are on the course.

Any employers interested in putting forward employees for the training course should contact Improve, by emailing info@improveltd.co.uk or calling 0845 644 0448