Fresh produce supplier offers first in Ireland.
For many people that work in the fresh produce industry, qualifications in their chosen field have been limited. The development of a 'Quality Controllers' qualification by leading awarding body Education Development International (EDI) and the Fresh Produce Consortium has meant that this is no longer the case and those working in the industry can now achieve a recognised qualification.The 'Quality Controllers Qualification' has been designed to be a standard of achievement for all those that carry out quality assurance activities at each stage of fresh produce distribution. The qualification has been developed for quality control staffs that check fresh produce before it is dispatched to supermarkets.
Many of the staff to whom the qualification is available have worked in the industry for many years, yet have not been able to accredit their skills. Keelings in Dublin are suppliers to all the major supermarkets in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and are the first company based in the Republic of Ireland to offer the qualification to their staff.
Miles Bly, Technical Director at Keelings explains why this new qualification is important and the impact it has had for his staff- "The step by step nature of the study programme has kept our staff-interested and well motivated and has helped improve recruitment and retention. This has helped develop the skill base within the Quality Control department, which has resulted in greater accuracy during inspections and consequently improved quality service levels to our customers."
The Quality Controllers qualification has been divided into three awards, a quality assurance certificate, diploma and higher diploma. The workbook that must be completed is designed to be applicable to all types of produce, grown both in the UK and overseas. Each unit studied allows students to relate their own specialism and the qualifications are achieved through submitted evidence, practical observation and professional discussion.
Contact Education Development International on tel 02476 516500 or visit www.ediple.com
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| Title Annotation: | Informalia |
|---|---|
| Comment: | Fresh produce supplier offers first in Ireland.(Informalia) |
| Publication: | Food Trade Review |
| Date: | Jul 1, 2007 |
| Words: | 318 |
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