55% time savings with E-learning for Group of Butchers
To train its employees, Group of Butchers is working with Normec Foodcare Online's E-learning module. The former Dutch Grill Specialties (DGS) merged a year and a half ago into Group of Butchers which is characterized by craftsmanship and artisanship. Much has been invested in the new look because the company wants to appeal to as many audience groups as possible; not only business to business but also the end user. The latter must be convinced of the high quality and artisanal preparation of the meat products.
There are five different locations where the mostly pre-cooked and 'ready to eat' products are made: Eersel, Soest, Belgium's Oosterzele and Alken and the headquarters in Tilburg. The assortment includes roast beef, bacon, minced meat, rotisserie products, ham, spare ribs, fricandeau, smoked meat, filet américain, ox sausage and smoked sausage.
Own moment
The quality, health and safety and environmental manager (KAM manager), in collaboration with Human Resources, is responsible for training at Group of Butchers. "Changes in legislation and customer requirements follow each other in quick succession. Keeping up with them requires regular training. The fastest and easiest way to do that is through E-learning. All theory is taught this way, practical lessons are given on the shop floor. Employees can do the training at a self-selected time from home, the employment agency or at one of the locations. The freedom and getting their own responsibility are experienced as very positive. E-learning is especially ideal when new employees come through a temporary employment agency. The employment agency makes sure they have completed the training before they come to us. That saves time because they can start working immediately. We see in the system whether the training has been successfully completed and randomly check the employees."
Training
About 350 people are employed across the locations. They are thoroughly trained to process the products correctly. Mainly food safety and hygiene, but also company culture and general information about lifting and interpreting hazard symbols, are mandatory components in the training. Every employee takes this basic training before starting work at Group of Butchers. On site, there is theoretical and practical training on the employee's job duties. The practical information is given by experienced people such as an SVO-trained butcher. All employees also take a refresher course annually. Group of Butchers conducts about 1,000 training courses per year, most of which are taken via E-learning.
Roles
The KAM manager and all quality employees can see at a glance in the Normec Foodcare Online system who has done which training, whether he or she has passed and also which questions have been answered incorrectly. In the heavier HACCP training courses, this can then be elaborated on further with, for example, an extension on a specific subject, or the training is discussed with the employee afterwards. "I can request analyses of, for example, the most incorrectly answered questions or how long a training course takes on average." Another advantage is that different parties can use the system at the same time, each with their own rights. "The employment agency can register new employees and invite them for training, but cannot make changes to the system."
House style
Group of Butchers creates the training courses itself. "I test the training with some employees before it goes online. That way I can see if the questions are too easy or too difficult and if it succeeds within the allotted time. The trainings remain in constant development and are regularly updated. You can then make any improvements at the same time." Normec Foodcare Online itself also has training courses that cover the most common topics in the food industry. Think allergen control, working hygienically or cleaning. These trainings can be requested digitally. They can be supplemented with certain topics at the customer's request or designed in the company's house style.
GFSI-recognized
Several modules of Normec Foodcare Online are available. In addition to E-learning, it is also possible to manage a handbook and all specifications, inspections and registrations in the secure environment of Normec Foodcare Online. Group of Butchers uses the "handbook" and "specifications" modules in addition to E-learning. "We only pay for what we purchase. So, in the case of E-learning, per employee taking a training course. That's cheaper than the cost of losing production by providing classroom training and associated handling costs. Also important: the E-learning training courses are recognized by the auditors of the GFSI standard and thus help us comply with the BRC and IFS standards."
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