The Tasty Careers Schools Challenge is a national initiative from the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, delivered through the Tasty Careers programme. It gives pupils the chance to step into the shoes of food industry innovators by designing new food and drink products that are healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable.

Since its launch in Wales in 2018, the Challenge has engaged thousands of students and inspired them to explore the diverse careers available in the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. In 2024, the programme was successfully piloted in England, with pupils working in teams to develop creative product ideas and present them to industry judges.

The Challenge helps young people build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, while offering schools a practical way to connect curriculum learning with real-world careers and employer engagement.