McCain Celebrates Manufacturing Academy Graduates at Scarborough Headquarters

Eighteen employees have graduated from McCain's Manufacturing Academy during a special ceremony held at the company's Scarborough headquarters.

McCain Foods, the largest manufacturer of frozen potato products in the United Kingdom, has celebrated the graduation of eighteen colleagues from its internal training programme, the Manufacturing Academy.

A special graduation ceremony was held at the company’s headquarters in Scarborough on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the staff members who have completed their nationally recognised qualifications.

The event was attended by the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, who praised the graduates and the manufacturer's commitment to developing the local workforce.

Since its launch in 2022, the Manufacturing Academy has provided workers with the opportunity to complete National Vocational Qualifications, ranging from level two to level five. The initiative combines structured, on-the-job learning with formal training to build capabilities across various departments, including logistics, food and drink production, business operations, and leadership.

The programme is delivered across McCain’s four sites in the UK, which include Scarborough, Hull, Whittlesey, and Wombourne. The company states that the academy plays an important role in developing the capabilities needed for the future of food manufacturing while creating accessible pathways for staff at different stages of their careers.

According to McCain, one hundred and eighteen colleagues have enrolled in the academy since it began, with new cohorts being taken on every four months. The business notes that the programme is helping to empower employees and build critical skills, revealing that more than twenty-five per cent of participants have progressed into new roles, thereby supporting a growing pipeline of talent across the operations.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said:

"Congratulations to this year’s Manufacturing Academy graduates. They should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. I’m passionate about initiatives like this because I want to see more people from Scarborough building successful careers in Scarborough. Programmes like the Manufacturing Academy prove you don’t have to leave our town to get on in life.

McCain has been at the heart of our community for generations, and I want to thank them for continuing to invest in people of all ages here in Scarborough and across the UK. By championing lifelong learning and helping people develop new skills at every stage of their careers, they are creating opportunities that change lives.

The impact extends far beyond the factory gates. When local people can learn and build rewarding careers close to home, it strengthens families, supports local businesses and helps our whole community thrive. This is the kind of investment that creates a lasting legacy for Scarborough."

The leadership at McCain also highlighted the importance of the initiative in shaping the future of the company's workforce.

Alison Rance, Vice President of Manufacturing for McCain Great Britain and Ireland, said:

"It is a real privilege to celebrate this year’s Manufacturing Academy graduates and the dedication they have shown to building their skills. It’s brilliant to see the ongoing impact the programme is having, supporting colleagues from all ages across the business to grow and progress in their careers. Moments like these highlight the role our people play in shaping the future of manufacturing at McCain."

The training programme is open to all employees at the company, who are invited to apply through a consultation with their line manager to ensure the course aligns with their professional development plans.

Paul Hilton, a Hygiene Lead at the McCain site in Hull, shared his experience of the programme. He said:

"Taking part in the Manufacturing Academy has been a real turning point for me. It’s given me the confidence and skills to step into a leadership role and take ownership of my development. It’s opened new opportunities and shown what’s possible with the right support, and I’d encourage others to give it a go and see where it can take them."