Passion and enthusiasm of young professionals ‘bodes well for future of industry’
FEA’s recent NextGen launch event was an outstanding success, attracting over fifty delegates from thirty different companies and organisations. The NextGen initiative is designed to attract and develop young people into the foodservice equipment industry, by giving them their own voice, developing clear, tangible pathways into the industry, supporting careers through professional growth and upskilling, and developing social and networking opportunities. The launch, at Parts Town UK in Cannock on January 21st, saw young professionals discussing their thoughts and ideas on how to bring the NextGen concept to fruition.
Holly Flack of Exclusive Ranges was one of these taking part. She said, “NextGen is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from people I wouldn’t usually get the chance to meet. The energy, openness and passion in the room really showed how exciting and forward thinking this industry is.”
The event covered a diverse range of topics, from ‘what the industry of the future looks like’ to ‘what support do you need to grow in your role?’ Delegates considered what they wanted from NextGen and how it could be developed to best serve both young people already in the industry and those considering joining it. For example, several expressed strong interest in the potential for mentoring to help them in their career development. FEA is progressing this and already there have been offers from members willing to mentor young professionals.
NextGen is also about developing the next generation of leaders for the industry. Chris Stevens of Quintex was very positive about the concept. “NextGen has been a much needed breath of fresh air for our industry,” he said. “It has really highlighted what needs to be done to bring in new talent and young professionals, while also getting experienced people involved so they can share what they’ve learned with those coming into the sector. That combination is what will help develop the next generation of leaders and push the industry forward.”
The event culminated with a call for those who wanted to take a lead in progressing NextGen to consider putting themselves forward – and FEA received many offers from attendees. The association is currently contacting delegates with a view to establishing a leadership team that will develop and lead NextGen.
“It was a highly successful first event,” said delegate Josh Troth of Parts Town UK. “NextGen is a fantastic initiative to bring passionate people together to develop new ways of inspiring the next generation of talent to join our industry.”
Jocelyn Shawyer is FEA’s events manager. “The enthusiasm of the delegates was wonderful to see,” she says. “We all thought that NextGen was a great concept, but to see it so keenly embraced by so many young professionals is exciting – and bodes well for the future of the industry.”
The next NextGen event is being prepared to take place in April, at a venue in London. FEA has also created a NextGen LinkedIn group (tinyurl.com/46wdtxk7). At this open and friendly forum people will be able to keep up to date with the latest news, find out about upcoming social events and exchange ideas and advice.
In the meantime the leadership team is being assembled and anyone interested in helping to lead this exciting initiative, or in becoming a NextGen ambassador, should fill in the form that FEA has created here (surveymonkey.com/r/NextGenFutureLeadership). Anyone interested in mentoring can put themselves forward via the same link. Alternatively, contact Jocelyn Shawyer via email at Jocelyn.shawyer@fea.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is Friday 27th February.