55% time savings with e-learning for Group of Butchers
To train its employees, Group of Butchers uses the e-learning module from Normec Foodcare Online. The former Dutch Grill Specialties (DGS) became part of Group of Butchers a year and a half ago; the company is known for its expertise and craftsmanship. The company has invested heavily in its new brand image because it aims to appeal to as many target audiences as possible—not only business-to-business clients but also end consumers. These consumers 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, Oosterzele and Alken in Belgium, and the headquarters in Tilburg. The product range includes roast beef, bacon, ground meats, rotisserie products, ham, spare ribs, fricandeau, smoked meat, filet américain, beef sausage, and smoked sausage.
Your Moment
The Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager (QHSE Manager) is responsible for training at Group of Butchers in collaboration with Human Resources. “Changes in legislation and customer preferences are happening rapidly. To keep up with them, regular training is necessary. The fastest and easiest way to do this is through e-learning. All theoretical content is delivered this way, while practical training takes place on the job. Employees can complete the training at a time of their choosing—from home, at the staffing agency, or at one of our locations. The freedom and sense of personal responsibility are viewed very positively. E-learning is especially ideal when new employees come through a staffing agency. The staffing agency ensures that they have completed the training before they join us. That saves time because they can get started right away. We can see in the system whether the training has been successfully completed and conduct random checks on employees.”
Training
Approximately 350 people work across our various locations. They receive thorough training on how to handle the products properly. Food safety and hygiene are the main focuses, but the company culture and general information on lifting techniques and interpreting hazard symbols are also mandatory components of the training. Every employee completes this basic training before starting work at Group of Butchers. At the location itself, there is theoretical and practical training on the employee’s specific job duties. The practical instruction is provided by experienced professionals, such as an SVO-certified butcher. All employees also take an annual refresher course. Group of Butchers conducts approximately 1,000 training sessions per year, the majority of which are completed via e-learning.
Roles
The QHSE manager and all quality staff can see at a glance in the Normec Foodcare Online system who has completed which training, whether they passed, and which questions were answered incorrectly. In the more advanced HACCP training courses, this information can be explored further—for example, by providing additional material on a specific topic—or the training can be reviewed with the employee afterward. “I can generate reports on, for example, the questions with the most incorrect answers or the average time taken to complete a training course.” Another advantage is that different parties can use the system simultaneously, each with their own access rights. “The staffing agency can register new employees and invite them to a training session, but cannot make changes to the system.”
Corporate Identity
Group of Butchers develops the training courses in-house. “I test the training with a few employees before it goes live. That way, I can see if the questions are too easy or too difficult and whether the course can be completed within the allotted time. The training courses are constantly evolving and are regularly updated. This allows us to implement any necessary improvements at the same time.” Normec Foodcare Online also offers its own training courses covering the most common topics in the food industry. These include allergen control, hygienic work practices, and cleaning. These training courses can be requested digitally. At the customer’s request, they can be supplemented with specific topics or customized to match the company’s branding.
GFSI-recognized
Various Normec Foodcare Online modules are available. In addition to e-learning, it’s also possible to manage a manual and all specifications, inspections, and records within the secure environment of Normec Foodcare Online. Group of Butchers uses the “manual” and “specifications” modules in addition to e-learning. “We only pay for what we use. In the case of e-learning, that means per employee who takes a course. This is cheaper than the costs associated with lost production due to in-person training and the associated administrative expenses. Also important: the e-learning courses are recognized by GFSI standard auditors and thus help us comply with the BRC and IFS standards.”
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