Online skills training for food sector

More than 400 manufacturing staff at Bairnsdale-based Patties Foods will be able to develop their work skills through a new suite of online training modules.

Developed over the past 12 months by Patties Foods and East Gippsland TAFE, the online training modules are part of a major e-learning project which is aligned with the objectives of the East Gippsland Food Cluster, of which Patties Foods is a member.

The initial four training modules cover health and safety, food safety, food quality and manual handling.

Patties Foods’ GM Manufacturing, Grant Leyden, says the use of online training technologies to develop staff skills is a perfect fit with the company’s commitment to growth through innovation.

“In partnership with East Gippsland TAFE, we have created an e-learning resource which will help grow our own skills base and support the broader Food Cluster workforce development strategy of making the food sector in East Gippsland a more attractive employment proposition,” Leyden said.

Project director at Patties Foods, Continuous Improvement and Training Manager, Scott McKenzie, says the computer-based training modules will be combined with instructor-led and on-the-job training conducted by Patties Foods Line Trainers.

“Our operators will undertake the online learning through regular sessions in our dedicated training centre at the Bairnsdale manufacturing facility.

“Online learning is particularly important for Patties Foods as it provides the flexibility required for a business which operates 24 hours a day to offer employees access to their training modules on the internet at any time.

“The training modules make extensive use of audio and visual devices which support different learning styles.

“While specifically developed through Patties Foods’ experience and expertise, the modules focus on generic skills which make them relevant to all food manufacturing businesses.

“We are delighted to have partnered with East Gippsland TAFE to have developed e-learning programs that will have a significant positive impact not only for the benefit of Patties Foods, but for all Food Cluster members,” McKenzie said.

For more information, please contact: Jeff Pentney, GM People & Organization, Patties Foods, (03) 8540 9152; Nicola Watts, Executive Officer, East Gippsland Food Cluster, 0408 351 475.