Food and Drink Routeway

Introduction

This is a pre-employment training programme for operational work in the Food & Drink Manufacturing sector. It is designed to meet the demands of employers who need to recruit suitably qualified and / or sector-aware staff.

This routeway would be suitable for any adult with a desire to work in a dynamic and fast moving environment.  Particularly those people who live close to Food & Drink manufacturing sites, who have not considered working in this sector or have some barriers (real and perceived) from entering the sector. Key attributes required by the sector are:
  • Reliability, including  good timekeeping and attendance
  • Ability to work in teams
  • Ability to follow instructions and procedures
  • Flexibility
  • There may be a requirement to lift/carry some heavy weights
  • Although new age legislation is in place, certain operations run on a shift basis, and where this includes night shift as part of the roster, employees must still be aged 18 or over

The course

The main course content is to include:
  • Food & Drink Sector Skills– anticipated length 2 weeks:

    • Foundation Food Safety Certificate (previously referred to as Basic Food Hygiene)
    • Manual Handling Training
    • Health & Safety awareness training
    • First Aid Training (optional)
    • Sector experience / work placement in real production environment
    • Fork lift truck where appropriate
  • Employability Skills, if needed by participant, anticipated length 3-4 weeks, examples include:
    • Working in teams
    • Communications
    • ITQ at entry level

  • Basic Skills (if not identified earlier and covered in a pre employability course):

    • Literacy and Numeracy
As such the Routeway can be completed in 5-6 weeks (not counting any pre-training as part of a basic skills training requirement).

What happens after the course

The course will equip individuals to enter the sector in a number of occupations, including:
  • Process operators
  • Warehouse / Distribution operators

    • Goods in
    • Stores / goods out
    • FLT Driver
Food & Drink is the largest of the manufacturing sectors in terms of individuals employed. The industry is still growing, and due to the perishable nature of food is not threatened by a wholesale transfer to offshore production, thus making it a sustainable industry. Career opportunities will therefore continue to be available. The industry rewards those people who show commitment and flexibility and it does not restrict progression of individuals on the basis of their entry level to the sector.

With a strong grounding in basic operational competencies, those individuals who desire to progress, and show commitment and a willingness to continue their leaning, have every opportunity to progress from entry level operatives to first line supervisors, and beyond.

Funding

There are various funding possibilities and providers including Learning Skills Councils, Jobcentreplus and NE Employer Coalition. 

For more information, please contact Dionne Payne at skillsnortheast@onenortheast.co.uk


Food and Drink