8 Good Reasons Why You Should Join the Food and Beverage Processing Industry

Are you thinking about joining Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry? Well, if you’re not, you should be! Because now is the perfect time to start working in this growing sector.

Are you thinking about joining Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry?  

Well, if you’re not, you should be! Because now is the perfect time to start working in this growing sector. With an increased demand for locally made, high-quality food and beverage products, this means that employers are eager to hire for many types of roles- from frontline workers to skilled tradespersons to food scientists. There is a role for everyone in this industry.  

Still not convinced? 

Here are eight reasons why you should consider joining Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry!  

1. The Food and Beverage Processing Industry is Stable 

Unlike other sectors, the food industry is always going to be there because everyone has to eat! Think back to early in the pandemic when many sectors were closed down due to restrictions.  

One industry that was still going strong? The food and beverage processing industry.  

Alvin Alexander, a skilled trade mechanic mentioned this during a previous CareersNOW! Skilled Trades Mentorship Session. 

“The only industry that was left standing or that kind of supported everybody in that time was the food manufacturing industry. I’ve seen even in my family and close friends, I’ve seen people losing their jobs. to my surprise, almost 80 to 90% of people at one time were staying [home] not doing anything. [T]hat was the only thing that they were doing,” he said.

“But for me, I was going to work every day, almost, five times a week. I was going to work because people had to eat. [When] they were staying home, they had to eat. This pandemic has taught us that being part of the food manufacturing sector, does a very fruitful thing, even [for] new graduates.” 

If a pandemic can’t even bring down an industry, then you know it is here to stay.

2. There is Community 

One thing that’s echoed throughout the food and beverage processing industry is that it is a great place to work because of the people. The industry has some of the best people around. Food is nourishing and it attracts those who want to feed fellow Canadians. Don’t just take our word for it. Consider what Ameilia La Plante, R&D Food Scientist at Yoso, said when asked on the FoodGrads Podcast, “Why is the food and beverage industry a great place to work?” 

“The people are excited and passionate about what they do,” she said. “There is a great energy and food is so sentimental. It is nice to bring people together” 

3. The Food and Beverage Processing Industry Helps support Canadians  

One of the most rewarding parts about working in the food and beverage processing industry is you will be helping to feed fellow Canadians. Foods made in production facilities are sold across the country. Look at your local supermarket shelves. Those shelves are full thanks to Canadians across the food chain. A career in the food industry is one that makes a difference.  

4. Locations Across Ontario

Unlike certain industries that only have a limited number of places to work.  Ontario’s food and beverage process industry is huge with over 3000 companies spanning across the province. Therefore, you can find a facility close to where you live. If you are looking to work in the city there is a good chance, there is a food processing facility nearby. From the suburbs to cities to rural areas, there is a company bound to work for your lifestyle.   

5. Career Advancements  

With so many companies across the province, the sky is the limit when it comes to career advancement. It’s up to you to decide what your career trajectory is going to be. For example, if you start in production working on the packaging line, you could advance to a line leader, then to a shift manager, or even a plant manager!

Alternatively, if food safety is more your style, then you could start in a quality control position and move your way through the organization and become a lead auditor. 

You aren’t limited to moving upwards but also moving laterally between the organization. As you move laterally, you can become more specialized at a skill set, giving you more chances to learn.  

6. Lots of room for new talent 

The industry is looking to grow, and there’s a lot of room for new talent. Employers are looking for talented individuals who can solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges. 

A labour market analysis by Food Processing Skills Canada has shown that the industry across Canada will have an employment gap of 54,000 people by 2025. Now is the best time to join the industry because there is a role ready for everyone. 

7. The Food and Beverage Processing Industry is Innovative  

The industry is transforming.  There is increased consumer demand for new technologies, alternative proteins, and locally sourced foods. We need people to help lead the charge in solving problems like sustainability, supply chain problems, and product launch problems. If you want to be a part of this exciting time to solve the world’s greatest problems, then you need to join the food industry!

8. There are Many Resources Available to Help You Land a Job           

Whether you are just thinking about going into the food industry or someone who is well seasoned, there are a lot of resources that are available. Check out some that are offered by CareersNOW! below: 

There’s never been a better time to join Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry and CareersNOW! is here to support you in your journey!

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