Skills shortages in the food industry are a hot topic, and no wonder. It’s estimated that we are currently short by 172,000 workers or more in the Australian food supply chain. But with every challenge comes an opportunity. Here are the top reasons why training is the key to overcoming workforce shortages and how we can add talent to the food industry.
The benefits of training for your business
Training means something to staff
Providing high-quality training for your workforce sends the message that you value their development, as you are setting time and money aside to invest in them. It’s also a bargaining chip at the negotiating table when candidates are considering an offer of employment. You establish your reputation as a credible and desirable employer that employees want to stay with long term.
Future-proof your company with training
A spin-off of training programs is that your staff members develop and gain skills and experience, becoming not just workers but future leaders. Any company that sees fit to upskill their employees also puts themselves in an excellent position to prepare for future challenges.
Improve employee performance
You can expect better performance from your employees when they are well-trained. They develop a greater awareness of how to do their job, leading to more success in their position. They gain a greater understanding of their responsibilities and build confidence, enhancing their overall performance.
Be an industry leader in your field
To be a leading company in your industry, it’s essential that you invest in training your people so that they are performing at their peak. Confident employees on top of current industry standards help establish your company as a leader in its field. Their high-quality work and awareness of the space they are operating in and what it requires sets them apart.
Increase employee satisfaction and morale
Training goes a long way towards increasing employee morale. It is like giving a gift to your staff members, which creates a supportive environment. Employees who feel appreciated through training may feel more satisfied with their jobs. Training can be a bonus to employees, as they are exposed to practical subject matter that they may not have thought to seek out themselves.
Learn and improve
While building on strengths is great, it’s equally important to add to existing skill sets meeting employees where they are at. This tactic aids improvement, particularly in critical areas such as food preparation that must meet strict criteria like the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards. By upskilling your workforce, you strengthen it and prevent costly mistakes from happening that could damage your reputation.
Be consistent
When meeting food standards, it is crucial to be consistent. That only happens when you train your employees to have a consistent level of experience and background knowledge. In addition, an employee needs to be clear on your company’s mission, policies and procedures in training that should occur as a part of their induction. When employees know your procedures, they usually act with greater efficiency and confidence. When all staff members have a similar understanding of their role, no one knowledgeable person is burdened with extra work. All can pitch in.
Be adaptable
Organisations that train their staff well are more responsive and adaptable to changing and competitive markets. Your workforce can be trained to use new technologies and leverage them. Training is an investment in the viability of your business, not simply a routine expense. Use your training opportunities wisely and partner with reputable organisations like National Food Institute to get the most out of them.
Encourage innovation
Ongoing training and upskilling of your workforce can encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that can benefit your organisation. It’s the breeding ground for new ideas and innovative thinking. As creativity requires a supportive environment where employees can take risks in sharing ideas, training can help foster that environment. Creativity is also an enlivening quality that can increase employee engagement and help them to enjoy and appreciate their jobs more.
Get all the benefits of training by working with National Food Institute
When you work with National Food Institute, you get custom-designed in-house training for your organisation that will provide you with all the benefits you’ve read about above. Contact us today to start training your staff with a high-quality curriculum taught by industry experts.