Manufacturing Skills Queensland is spearheading skill development projects in collaboration with The Food Industries Association of Queensland (FIAQ). These projects, approved under the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s VET Emerging Industries Initiative (Manufacturing) Fund, are designed to have a profound impact on the food processing workforce in Queensland.

In 2023 through the collaborative efforts of The Food & Beverage Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group (IRG) membership including The Food Industries Association of Queensland (FIAQ) the Retention of Food Processing Workforce project was created.

The project aims to accelerate career development and skills acquisition for supervisors in food processing. The project delivers accredited part qualifications (skill set) comprising Units of Competency from the Certificate IV in Food Processing focusing on food safety, and leadership.

In 2023 the delivery of the part qualifications was trialled as a pilot. Over 35 individuals are completing the training, from a range of food processing businesses in Southeast Queensland.

Following the success of pilot, funding will be extended, enabling the continued deliver of the part qualifications in Southeast Queensland and expanding to workforce in regional areas. It is anticipated a further 80 will access the training.

MSQ Industry Skills Advisor Lisa Gilbert said the initiative had been strategically designed to encourage the progression of the food processing workforce beyond certificate III.

“More than 32,500 individuals work in food and beverage processing in making it Queensland’s largest manufacturing sub-industry.

“The food processing industry is vital for value-adding agricultural produce, providing employment opportunities, and meeting the changing demands of the domestic and global markets. It’s crucial to ensure that training reflects current industry needs.

“This project has created a funded pathway for workers in the industry—a skills gap identified by industry. The skill set is comprised of key units of competency from the Certificate IV in Food Processing and is designed to foster retention of workers and promote longevity in the industry.

“The success of the project has been truly encouraging. The positive impact it has had on the workforce has led the Industry Reference Group to propose an expansion of the project to encompass regional locations and develop a hybrid delivery model.

FIAQ President Jana Cameron said the project was designed with the vision empowering the workforce, building leadership capability, and improving retention.

“Food processing is an evolving, thriving and dynamic industry. We believe that investing in the continuous education and upskilling of our workforce is paramount to the sustained growth and success of the food processing industry in Queensland.

“By providing opportunities for further education and skill development beyond the basic certification, we are not only retaining our valuable workforce but also nurturing a pool of highly proficient professionals.

“As a member of the Industry Reference Group, we’ve been able to directly inform the development of this program and through collaboration with Queensland’s food processors and other industry stakeholders ensure it was a program that had impact.

“This program ultimately contributing to the sustained growth and competitiveness of the food processing industry in Queensland.

Earlee Products R&D Manager Lea Reid said the program had improved employee confidence and communication skills due to knowledge gained in the food safety short course.

“Conversations between departments are now more in-depth around food safety systems with a greater understanding of each department’s role in food safety.  Communicating effectively is an art and with additional training and knowledge gained in the food safety short course, communication skills have elevated.

“Employees who participated in the program have been given a confidence boost communicating in groups and one-on-one situations. As a result, we’ve started to see improvements in the workplace.

Industry Skills Advisory, Lisa Gilbert said with support from industry there was a real opportunity to formalise the part qualification as a skill set in the Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical (FBP) training package.