foodRegio Training Programme: Machine Operation in the Food Industry

Background

With the increasing sophistication of processes in the food industry, many jobs have arisen that require special qualifications. Often, however, the people employed in the production area are not qualified, only partly trained, or were trained in a different occupation. In addition, they frequently have no overall understanding of the industrial process and the complex operations in the company.

Pilot Project on the Premises of the Cereal Producer Brüggen

In 2010, longstanding employees of H. & J. Brüggen KG were awarded certificates in the operation of food machinery that were specially created for the company by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At foodRegio this generated interest in repeating the training programme at a cross-company level.

On-the-Job Training for 12 Months

The training content was broadened in accordance with the needs of the companies, and an overall programme was developed for foodRegio based on the pilot project at Brüggen. The content, derived from the vocational training offered by the food industry, comprises six modules, each of which contains a practical and theoretical part. Examples of these modules are hygiene and safety, machine operation and work planning. The curriculum includes 30 days of practical and theoretical instruction, extending over a period of twelve months.

Participants who pass the final examination, which covers both theory and practice, receive a certificate in the operation of food machinery issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.