Almost two-thirds of today's young grocery managers joined the industry by accident, not design, according to a poll among Leading Edge members.
But although they had not planned a career in food and drink, the vast majority are happy to stay working in the industry.
In fact, fewer than 20% of those questioned are considering a career move outside the industry for their next job, the survey reveals.
The proportion whose move into the industry was unplanned is 65%, while 35% are following their chosen path.
One respondent began his career in grocery when Tesco offered him work at a store near his home for his gap year and for university holidays, and also offered to transfer him to a store near his chosen university during term time.
Seventy per cent of those questioned think they will stay with their present company for at least another year.
Of the remaining 30%, the majority believe they are undervalued by their present employer.
Overall, however, the industry is viewed as a dynamic and challenging place to work, even if the picture at individual companies is blurred.
Asked if they could see a clear career path at their company, the Leading Edge members were equally divided, with half saying yes and the other half no.
One member comments: "I have been at my company for nearly a year and was promoted within seven months. I see myself doing the job for another two to three years before my next promotion.
"I need to be in a position where I am getting more and more new experiences," he adds.
When questioned about training, 62% report that they are satisfied with the packages that their companies offer, but the remaining 38% were actively critical, saying their packages were not good.
A recent survey showed that food and drink companies spend as little as £200 a year per employee on training, compared with the UK average of £377 per employee.
One respondent says: "There is a balance of one-to-one training and group training, on the job and classroom-based.
"There is a very structured plan for the first three years but from then on there is a continual willingness to send me on further courses, both internal and external."
Another says his company gives him an "individually structured plan focusing on individual needs". Training is given by "in-house specialists or by a reputable external company".
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that by Spring 2002, 16% of all working age employees in the UK had received some job-related training, with 18 to 24-year-olds the main beneficiaries.
n The next Leading Edge meetings look at point of purchase advertising. Dates and venues are:April 30 YorkMay 1 WatfordMay 6 SloughMay 12 BirminghamMay 19 SouthamptonMay 20 EdinburghMay 21 BristolMay 22 Manchester.
To sign up, go to www.igd.com/leadingedge/pop.asp
{{JOBS & CAREERS }}
But although they had not planned a career in food and drink, the vast majority are happy to stay working in the industry.
In fact, fewer than 20% of those questioned are considering a career move outside the industry for their next job, the survey reveals.
The proportion whose move into the industry was unplanned is 65%, while 35% are following their chosen path.
One respondent began his career in grocery when Tesco offered him work at a store near his home for his gap year and for university holidays, and also offered to transfer him to a store near his chosen university during term time.
Seventy per cent of those questioned think they will stay with their present company for at least another year.
Of the remaining 30%, the majority believe they are undervalued by their present employer.
Overall, however, the industry is viewed as a dynamic and challenging place to work, even if the picture at individual companies is blurred.
Asked if they could see a clear career path at their company, the Leading Edge members were equally divided, with half saying yes and the other half no.
One member comments: "I have been at my company for nearly a year and was promoted within seven months. I see myself doing the job for another two to three years before my next promotion.
"I need to be in a position where I am getting more and more new experiences," he adds.
When questioned about training, 62% report that they are satisfied with the packages that their companies offer, but the remaining 38% were actively critical, saying their packages were not good.
A recent survey showed that food and drink companies spend as little as £200 a year per employee on training, compared with the UK average of £377 per employee.
One respondent says: "There is a balance of one-to-one training and group training, on the job and classroom-based.
"There is a very structured plan for the first three years but from then on there is a continual willingness to send me on further courses, both internal and external."
Another says his company gives him an "individually structured plan focusing on individual needs". Training is given by "in-house specialists or by a reputable external company".
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that by Spring 2002, 16% of all working age employees in the UK had received some job-related training, with 18 to 24-year-olds the main beneficiaries.
n The next Leading Edge meetings look at point of purchase advertising. Dates and venues are:April 30 YorkMay 1 WatfordMay 6 SloughMay 12 BirminghamMay 19 SouthamptonMay 20 EdinburghMay 21 BristolMay 22 Manchester.
To sign up, go to www.igd.com/leadingedge/pop.asp
{{JOBS & CAREERS }}
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