New training programme sweetens honey industry

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 09:44

New Zealand's honey industry is benefitting from a tailored version of the Food and Related Processing Packaging (FRPP) qualification, adapted specifically to meet the industry's Risk Management Programme (RMP) requirements. The initiative has resulted from co-operation between Competenz and AsureQuality, who deliver the training on our behalf, and is being trialed primarily in the South Island. It is an innovative win-win partnership that will deliver improved training to an industry that is steadily growing, says Account Manager Aaron Amyes, who along with Area Manager Mary Hinsen has been instrumental in developing the training. Most honey producers are small companies or one man bands and many are in remote locations - which meant that signing corporate agreements with each honey producer would have been onerous for all concerned. This was overcome by concluding a single corporate agreement with AsureQuality, which means all the beekeepers or honey producers need to do is sign their training agreement and pay their industry contribution to AsureQuality when they enroll for the course. Honey industry learners attend a two-day AsureQuality course which satisfies the NZ Food Safety Authority audit requirements then complete the FRPP L2 qualification through workplace assessments over the next 9 to 12 months. AsureQuality has tailored their learning programme to meet the requirements of Competenz' assessment guides and included the additional requirements to meet Unit Standards. To date, around 65 learners from around 50 companies have attended the courses held in Nelson, Christchurch, Alexandra and Timaru and initial from industry has been 100% positive. The training is delivered by AsureQuality's trainers Tony Roper and Marco Gonzalez who both hold a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling bees as well as quality assurance and auditing of the industry. Tony, a beekeeper and honey producer himself has been interested in bees since he was four years old and Marco is a qualified vet originally from Paraguay, where the beekeeping industry is included in a vetinarian's training and degree. "The course is evolving all the time and we have responded to industry feedback by making slight modifications to meet all customer needs," says Tony. "The food safety and health and safety requirements for the industry are very rigorous because honey is classified as an animal product. It is imperative that beekeepers and processors alike are familiar with all aspects of the code of practice of beekeeping and the reasoning behind the theory of food safety. "The industry has certainly changed over the years, and this type of training will benefit everyone involved - from a one man operator to a large processing plant - and standards are needed to ensure that quality is established and maintained. Learners say they feel valued and that their employer is looking after them by offering the training opportunity to them, says Tony. Aaron agrees saying, "training retains staff - they feel rewarded. Most people think if you train staff they will leave but in reality it incentivises them to stay." And honey producer Airborne showed their commitment to quality assurance by sending four employees on the two day course - from the Chief Executive to the forklift driver. Janice Joblin, Airborne's honey buyer, food safety and health and safety officer has completed the training and found it beneficial. "The course itself is geared more to beekeepers but overall the content is very helpful. It is important that there is a hazard training programme implemented in all premises and lots of beekeeping premises do not complete any training. "AsureQuality get people trained before people or businesses are shut down due to poor health and safety or food safety standards, "explained Janice. Airborne is one of New Zealand's oldest honey producers and will celebrate its 100 years of business in 2010, and quality assurance is paramount, says Janice. "We buy honey from 200 different bee keepers so it's crucial we follow strict food safety and handling processes ourselves and our quality control is the RMP certified keepers. "It was fortunate to have someone like Tony delivering the course because he thoroughly understands bees and honey." The New Zealand honey season is December through to April, so the next round of training will commence in May 2010 and Competenz' agreement with AsureQuality will cover up to 200 learners nationwide. If you want more information on this training call the Competenz Customer Service Centre on 0800 526 1800.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 16:42