On-site SQF training for 3-4 people...who is good and inexpensive?

Hello,

My boss is contemplating having someone come in to our facility and do SQF Implementation training with 3-4 of us (myself as SQF Practitioner, plus he and his brother who constitute our "Senior Management", plus perhaps one of our employees).

Which SQF-endorsed training groups/companies would you recommend, and why?

We are looking to do this as inexpensively as possible...who has the best rates out there for training?

Any and all input would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Brian

Before I joined my company, they had NSF come in and provide both HACCP and SQF training and I'm told they were very happy with the programs. We are able to get a training grant from our state and are looking at having them come back in and provide GMP training because we have a lot of new employees and thought this training would be good both for the newbies and as a refresher for longer tenured employees would be good, especially coming from an outside party (kind of like kids never believe their parents but believe everybody else  :shades: ).

You may try looking at SQFI's website; they have a list of companies that are licensed SQF training centers. You can contact them and ask for pricing and agendas - that's what I did for the GMP training to be sure I'm comparing apples to apples as much as possible.

Good luck!

Thank you!

NSF is one of the certification bodies we are currently exploring, so it's good to hear a good review on their training!

I am VERY intrigued by your comment that you were able to get a grant from your state for the training...how did you go about finding out about the grant availability, and what was the process like?

Thanks again!

Brian

Here in Michigan, there's a program called Michigan Works! that coordinates this in conjunction with many other state agencies. They've been working tirelessly since the beginning of the recession (and possibly before that but that was my first experience with them) to provide OTJ training for employees across the manufacturing industry at large. It's called the Skilled Trades Training Fund and focuses on hard skills rather than soft skills since they are working more on behalf of the manufacturing industry than others. 

Another member asked me about this before and I reached out to my contact who suggested that you reach out to your local One-Stop (try this link) or see if you can find a your-state version of Michigan Works!

He did state he thinks we're the only state doing this but it's worth trying to find if it pans out. Our Michigan Works! also works with the MI Economic Development Corp, local economic developers, and the Workforce Development Agency to provide this program. 

Good luck, Brian.

~Emily~

Hello,

These are some Certifying Bodies that offer In House Training:

DNV-GL

AIB

SAI Global

SGS

NSF

SQFI - Check their website

Alchemy

HEB University

I found that In House Training is very expensive because in addition to the their fee you may have to pay their Traveling Expenses. Also,  you have to be committed for the 2-3 day training with no interruptions. (This is very difficult while the operation is running). 

Alchemy offers the course on line with testing and I found out this is the  inexpensive way to do it. It will be at your own pace. Other CB offer On line certification. I am finding myself taking online courses to keep up with Certifications and industry updates. NSF is one of the best for this type of training as well.  Upper management  likes this because of no travel expenses.

Check in your area and see what type of training centers (specially your suppliers) are closed to you and may take probably 1-3 hours drive.

Other option is to have one of you to certify as SQF Instructor and offer the class in house on your own and register for the test.

Honestly, classroom training away from the operation is the best setting; but, as costs go up, it is very difficult.

I hope this helps,

Kelio

Excellent info, Kelio - thank you so much!

We train our clients during on-site developments.

While we are more apt to recommend our own training, we see no reason for on-site implementation training when there is a competent SQF Implementation training session available directly on-line, limited but effective.