How often external training?
We're a BRC food certified production company and have been for 8 years or so.
In the beginning we had an external company that were responsible for our staff's training course. Regarding basic food safety, hygiene, pest management etc.
Last time we did this was 2015. Since then we have, ourselves, arranged an annual refresher course, consisting of a start up meeting (held by me and the CEO) were we have been informing and discussing with the staff about what's happened and what's going to happen within the company (regarding our BRC certification etc).
This was then followed by a more educational part but due to lack of commitment and the fact that it is more fun to learn by doing, the refresher courses have consisted of "fun" shorter quiz/games around the facility for the staff. With most questions based on our surroundings, production etc. All in all it's lasted about 4 hours.
During our last BRC audit the auditor mentioned that, although our own courses have been good and all things have been covered, we should have an external party next time (which means this year).
He meant that it's been 5 years since last time and thought it would be good.
What are your thoughts on this? :helpplease:And do you have any suggestions for ways to do refresher courses?
Previously we have had the refresher course on the same day as our annual kick-off day (since management really don't want us to close the factory for another day).
This year I was more thinking of a questionnaire consisting of about 10-15 questions that can be done during break time or something. So if the kick-off don't happen this year (because of the coronavirus) we don't have to close production at all.
It really is a pain in the **** to think of new and interesting ways of refreshing the staff! :shutup:
Do you know any good external trainers that you could bring in for a bespoke course tailored to what you need? If you're training reasonably sized groups then this can be relatively cost-effective and you can pick someone engaging and agree an approach beforehand.
If that's not feasible then it may be a case of needing to take the slightly cynical approach to jump through the auditor's hoops - send the people on the relevant training courses to get the certificates and tick the relevant audit boxes, and then run your own training in-house in your own style.
Sounds like your BRC auditor was consulting...which he's not supposed to do.
However, it wouldn't hurt to go through an external training (yourself) just to refresh on any potential changes, and then use those changes to train your group in the same format you've been doing.
As to making employees take a quiz during their break - that'll be a way to make them mad. As you're BRC and you're supposed to be focusing on management commitment and food safety/quality culture - not sure why refresher training couldn't be done on company time.