FOOD and drink manufacturer Nestlé UK & Ireland has increased the number of places available for young people in its award-winning Nestlé Academy.

It is hoped some new opportunities will be created at Trowbridge’s Staverton factory which produces breakfast cereals but the exact number has not been confirmed.

The Nestlé Academy supports employees through 31 different types of programme across a wide range of disciplines including data science, packaging innovation and digital marketing.

Paul Steadman, HR director for Nestlé in the UK & Ireland, said: “We are at a difficult moment for employment in general and we know, at the best of times, how daunting it can be for young people taking those first career steps.

“Despite the challenges we are all dealing with, and consistent with Nestlé UK & Ireland’s long history of supporting youth employment, we believe continuing to support youth employment is the right thing to do.

"Building on that, I am pleased that we are now able to increase the number of programmes that Nestlé Academy is recruiting for this time around.”

Applicants are being sought for 96 roles (up from 74) across 24 different apprenticeships, seven different graduate schemes and three internships. These programmes will see successful candidates undertake placements at Nestlé sites across the UK.

Nestlé UK & Ireland is one of the world’s largest food and drink companies with a range of opportunities across manufacturing, marketing, finance, supply chain and more.

To see the Nestlé Academy schemes recruiting go to www.nestleacademy.co.uk