Association of Colleges

Producing more than 12 million litres of juice a week is a task that would keep any workforce on its toes – and that’s why the Gerber Juice Company in Bridgwater demands the best training it can get for its staff.

Gerber is confident that it uses only the finest ingredients in the juices it manufactures for a host of household names, so training manager Mike Chubb makes it his business to ensure that his “human ingredients” are the pick of the crop, too.

That means using Bridgwater College for much of Gerber’s staff training, although the days of everyone having to go and sit in a classroom are gone.

Most of the training now happens on the company’s premises at times that suit the company rather than the college – and that means college tutors have even been training staff there during the night to fit in with shift patterns.

The company, which has invested in state-of-the-art equipment at a multi-million-pound new production and warehousing facility, is keenly aware of the importance of investing in staff to ensure they have the right operational skills, high levels of competency and confidence in their own abilities.

“We’ve used Bridgwater College over several years in various ways, including training for managers,” says Mr Chubb.

“This has helped raise standards, which has been useful for those who’ve been promoted through the ranks, and has given us agreed standards throughout the company.”

The college has helped Gerber’s staff improve their computer and laboratory skills as well as acquire NVQs. Several are working their way through their engineering apprenticeships.

“The staff at Bridgwater College have always been keen to recognize our needs and will modify courses to suit us,” says Mr Chubb.

“People have come off the shop floor into management positions and realized they have more potential than they’d thought. A number have gone on to study at HND or Degree level.

“The biggest gain has been realized by people who’ve been here for a long time and have been satisfied with being an operator or whatever – only to have training and discover that they have much more potential.

“People have gained confidence in themselves. And that’s helping us retain good staff, and maintain the lead position in juice manufacturing.”

For more information see: http://www.fecolleges.co.uk

 

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