They are the unsung heroes of the food-manufacturing world. They keep the train on the rails and the lines running smoothly and ensure the product is made and shipped out to consumers. They are the line operators and technicians.
Continuous training for line technicians and operators in food manufacturing facilities is crucial to ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products. Providing these front-line employees with professional development opportunities to build their knowledge and skills will give them the confidence and the buy-in to participate in the company’s food safety culture.
Here are the top 5 reasons why you need to invest in your front-line employees:
- Improved Product Quality: Well-trained technicians and operators can better understand and maintain the equipment, leading to more consistent and higher-quality food products. This can help reduce defects, product recalls, and customer complaints.
- Increased Efficiency: Training can help employees become more proficient in their roles, leading to increased production efficiency, reduced downtime, and lower operating costs.
- Safety: Proper training can enhance the safety of the production environment. Technicians and operators well-versed in safety procedures are less likely to be involved in accidents, reducing the company's liability and worker compensation costs.
- Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: The food industry is subject to stringent regulations and quality standards. Investing in professional development ensures that employees are aware of and adhere to these requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
- Competitive Advantage: A highly skilled workforce can provide a significant competitive advantage. Companies that invest in employee development are better positioned to adapt to changing market conditions, outperform competitors, and gain a stronger foothold in the industry.
What can professional development look like?
Professional development can come from job shadowing, participating in a mentoring program, taking training courses from an external vendor, and pursuing a professional development certificate.
Job shadowing allows you to gain insight into a job by observing and learning from experienced professionals. You may want to complement job shadowing with other activities like workshops, seminars, and practical experience to enhance your skills and career prospects further.
Mentoring is a powerful form of professional development that involves a more experienced individual (the mentor) providing guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced individual (the mentee) to help them grow and advance in their career.
Professional development through training courses is a proactive approach to acquiring new skills, knowledge, and expertise to advance your career.
A professional development certificate is an excellent way to enhance your skills, knowledge, and credentials in a specific field or industry.
Mérieux NutriSciences’ Silliker University Food Safety and Quality Professional Level I is designed explicitly for line technicians and operators. Courses in this program cover the basics of food microbiology and food safety. Visit the Silliker University website to learn more.
