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Whether you are considering further training to build your food and beverage manufacturing portfolio or require specific training for a job or promotion, there’s a variety of certification courses available that can give you the knowledge and tools to improve your skillset. Here are thirteen of the most popular training and certification programs obtained by professionals working in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

1. Training Gems Leadership Training

Invest in yourself or in your business; improve leadership proficiencies, close skill gaps, take advantage of career opportunities & advancements, create a positive work culture, reduce turnover, and improve your bottom line.

There are two food manufacturing training courses, business coaching and individual programs.

The individual leadership course will teach individuals how to position themselves as a team leader and asset to the company long-term. Learn what to do, what not to do, and what you need to know. Getting that salary bump is more than just doing a good job; corporation expectations are often different than your own as an employee. This online leadership course is great for people who need to go at their own pace.

The business-training program will improve leadership skills and performance within each team and organization. This is an in-person and on-site training program that will go over your goals and uncover lost opportunities in your food or beverage business. One-on-one coaching sessions, team building exercises, and much more are offered to generate measurable, attainable, and timely results.

2. Good Manufacturing Practice Certification (GMP)

GMP or Good Manufacturing Practice helps ensure that products are being manufactured safely, and with maximum quality, through establishing and documenting manufacturing procedures and then training operators to follow those procedures.

Having a good manufacturing practice in place safeguards the reliability of a company’s food manufacturing, as well as compliance with food safety regulations. That’s why many food manufacturing and processing companies look for candidates who are GMP certified, or who have taken a GMP training course. Those with knowledge of GMP are often looked towards for leadership and decision-making in the work place.

3. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification

HACCP is a food safety certification intended for workers in food manufacturing and packaging, and processing plants. It addresses the chemical and biological hazards as a means of prevention before a finished product inspection. From preparation processes, packaging and distribution, HACCP food safety is used to identify any potential food safety hazards at all stages of food production.

HACCP certification is globally recognized and provides credibility to consumers. Having this certification also helps reduce risks of unsafe products through critical control points (CCPs) throughout production.

4. HAZMAT Training

HAZMAT training prepares individuals and companies for safely handling and disposing of hazardous materials, such as cleaning solvents and fuel. These types of materials can irritate the skin, cause harm if exposed to eyes, or may be poisonous if ingested.

HAZMAT training is important to ensure that individuals working with these products know how to handle them safely around them and others nearby. Certification is very favorable in the food industry, including packaging, manufacturing, shipping, handling and storing these materials.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach that helps eliminate defects in a process, using mathematical analysis that drives toward six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit in quality assurance.

Being Black Belt Certified in Six Sigma is similar to the ranking in some martial arts systems; it demonstrates authority and leadership, often being able to understand team dynamics and assign roles and responsibilities to team members. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification refers to an individual who can explain the Six Sigma methodology, philosophies and principles; however, courses are often trained and coached in project teams.

6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA was created by the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for protecting workers health and safety. OSHA affects each industry differently, depending on safety hazards associated with each job site, creating a variety of training courses and education programs to teach various practices and regulations. Individuals can obtain OSHA coaching through outreach training or certificate and degree programs.

7. Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification

Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is an internationally recognized certification that communicates a business’ Quality Management System (QMS) conforms to food safety regulations. SQF certification confirms the products that a business purchases have passed international standards for food safety, and it also demonstrates that an organization is committed to constant improvement of its systems, including good agricultural practices (GAPs) and good manufacturing principles (GMPs) for food.

Countries worldwide receive SQF certification from the SQF Institute, located in Arlington, Virginia. Due to the importance of food safety, many North American companies require their suppliers have food safety certification like SQF. Having certification provides assurance that a particular product, process or service complies with regulatory and international standards for food safety.

8. Total Quality Management (TQM)

TQM is a method to organizational management that improves the quality of its services and products by continuously refining processes in response to continuous feedback. TQM can be applied to any type of organization, including the food manufacturing industry.

TQM’s system helps provide various regulations to maintain production standards of products in the food manufacturing industry. Training courses for Total Quality Management can teach individuals about the basic tools that help company procedures and operations be more efficient and offer superior quality.

9. Certified Supply Chain Management (CSCM)

One of the most difficult avenues in food and beverage manufacturing industry is supply chain management as it involves a variety of disciplines, including ingredients, sourcing materials, and delivery of the products to consumers. The farmer, manufacturer, packaging company, distributors, and retailers are all involved in the supply chain when getting food products to the consumer.

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) status is given to supply chain professionals who have taken proper training and passed a knowledge certification exam. CSCP designation gives professionals the tools to effectively manage global supply chain activities and understand enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

10. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

CPIM is designed to help professionals develop specialized knowledge in production and inventory management (P&IM) techniques and trends. A CPIM professional has the knowledge to apply the corrective actions needed to achieve results and predict outcomes within production and inventory. This is a good option for individuals who have two or more years of experience in a related field and are working towards future career growth within the industry.

Food production managers can benefit from CPIM, as it helps ensure that procedures are being followed and comply with state and federal regulations. The Association for Operations Management (APICS) offers a CPIM certification program to applicants who have a minimum of two years of experience or extensive knowledge in production and inventory management.

Once an individual completes the CPIM program, they are eligible for the Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) program, which requires knowledge through professional development activities, such as presenting, publishing and teaching related topics.

11. ISO 22000 Food Safety Management

In 2005, the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) combined concepts from of the quality management standard, along with PRP and HACCP principles to create ISO 22000, an international standard for implementing a certified food safety management system. It is suitable for all businesses in the food industry, including those involved in packaging, equipment, cleaning agents, additives, and ingredients.

Companies that are ISO 22000 certified will meet and exceed global food safety regulations, provide assurance to consumers about the quality of products produced. Some benefits of having ISO 22000 include better documentation, an improvement in resources, enhanced communication on food safety issues, and shareholder confidence.

12. Better Process Control Schools

Better Process Control Schools provided courses for food scientists on low acid and acidified food processing, which satisfies the training requirements of both FDA and USDA regulations designed to prevent public health issues in low-acid and acidified low-acid canned foods.

Topics covered in Better Process Control School courses include:

  • FDA Regulations
  • Microbiology of Thermally Processed Foods
  • Principles of Acidified Foods
  • Principles of Thermal Processing
  • Principles of Food Plant Sanitation
  • Food Container Handling
  • Recordkeeping
  • Thermal Processing Systems Equipment
  • Still Steam Retorts
  • Hydrostatic Retorts
  • Continuous Rotary Retorts
  • Aseptic Processing Systems
  • Flexible Containers
  • Closures for Containers

FDA regulations state that all organizations that process thermally-processed foods must have a supervisor on staff who has successfully completed one of the eligible Better Process Control Schools courses.

13. Certified Food Scientist (CFS)

The CFS credential is the only international certification for food science professionals and provides a universal way to identify, cultivate, and retain top talent.

Obtaining the CFS credential is a demonstration of your professional commitment to lifelong learning and excelling as a food professional, as well as a clear understanding on the interdisciplinary nature of food science and the real-world skills needed for a successful career. To be eligible for the CFS, you must have at least an undergraduate degree in food science or a related field like biology, nutrition, microbiology, medicine, culinary science, or engineering.

Getting the Right Training or Certifications for You

Getting the right training and certifications does not have to be so overwhelming or expensive. Here at Training Gems, we help food and beverage manufacturing businesses and employees learn to master the skills required to comply with regulations and improve efficiencies, so they can continue providing exceptional service to their consumers.

Contact us today to get started, or if you have any questions about our leadership training courses, or questions about the right path for yourself or your food manufacturing company.