FMEAS

Training programmes ‘are a key part of staff retention’

20-Oct-2017 - Last updated on 28-Sep-2021 at 12:06 GMT

Food manufacturers’ training programmes are a key means of staff retention, particularly for young people, says Alex Bebbington, Appetite Learning’s commercial director and judge of this year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards (FMEAs).

In this video interview, flimed after the FMEA judging day last month, Bebbington said: “The young population is transient: they come in; they do a job; they move on.

“A strong training programme gives individuals the sense that they are being invested in. That brings loyalty, which benefits the company as well. Because the cost of bringing new people in, as we know, is very expensive.”

Five manufacturers are competing to be awarded the coveted Training Programme of the Year category. They are: Alpen, Bakkavor Hitchen Foods, Dawn Meats, Norseland and Weetabix.

‘Impact of training programmes’

Commenting on the entries, Bebbington said: “It was a very strong field of entries. I was impressed to see the consideration behind the entries in terms of supporting documentation and evidence of the impact of training programmes.”

Appetite Learning is a joint venture between FoodManufacture.o.uk’s publisher William Reed and and Virtual College dedicated to e-Learning solutions, tailored to food and drink manufacturers’ compliance and training needs.

Now in its 17^th year, the Oscars of the food and drink manufacturing sector celebrate excellence in Britain’s biggest manufacturing sector. This year, 60-plus food and drink manufacturers and individuals are competing for top honours at our gala awards evening at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday November 1.

Food and drink manufacturers large and small – from Bakkavor and ABP UK to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), including Troy Foods, Willowbrook Foods and American Muffin – are in the running for an Oscar.

The award of the big one

The celebration will cultivate in the award of the big one: the Food Manufacture Excellence Award of the year. Who will follow Mash Direct’s triumph last year?

Be among the first to find out by booking your place at the food and drink manufacturing Oscars at London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday November 1.

Meanwhile, read the full list of FMEA shortlisted candidates here. Good luck to all the finalists.