British Soft Drinks Industry Foundation
The British Soft Drinks Industry Foundation (BSDIF), formerly
known the Soft Drinks Industry Benevolent Society, was originally
founded in 1919 to provide financial assistance to ‘poor’ members
of the soft drinks industry, their widows and dependants, through
pensions and grants.
In recent years the demand for such assistance has diminished
owing to the provision of company pensions and the availability of
state benefits. Therefore, the Society took the decision to change
its name to the British Soft Drinks Industry Foundation and amend
its Memorandum of Association in order that it can also use its
funds for the charitable purposes of the advancement and
propagation of education and learning.
From Autumn 2007, funds have been made available to support
those working within the soft drinks industry through the funding
apprenticeships and to encourage science students to study relevant
undergraduate courses in order to address the problem of the
shortage of people entering a career in food science and
technology.
How can I get involved?
Undergraduates
The
Foundation currently sponsors undergraduates to study a food
related degree course at the Department of Food Biosciences,
University of Reading. If you are in your first year of studies at
the Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, contact
Lilly Mae
Liddicott, Industrial Placement Manager, to discuss your
eligibilty for a BSDIF Scholarship.
Click here for more details on the 2011
Undergraduate Scholarship Awards
Apprenticeships
The Foundation offers financial support to BSDA Member Companies
involved in training apprentices within the soft drinks industry.
Funding will be provided on the basis that it is a contribution
towards the cost of training future established employees within
the UK soft drinks or related industry.
If you are employed within the soft drinks industry as an
apprentice or wish to be employed as an apprentice, ask your
employer to contact BSDA for further information.
Click here for more details on the 2011
Apprentice Scholarship Award
Employers
If you wish to offer work experience and placements to
undergraduates studying food science or support an employee through
an apprenticeship, please contact Julia Broad.