Manufacturing workforce development
Background:
The dairy manufacturing industry is diverse and adds two and half times to the value of milk ex farmgate. Manufacturing companies have varying levels of complexity/workforce needs depending on their size, location and types of product manufactured.
Manufacturing companies have expressed a need to work collaboratively and share information in workforce development. Furthermore, there is a need to attract young graduates into the industry as this was identified as a major challenge. Unless these needs are addressed, the efficiency of value adding could be adversely affected thereby influencing the long term profitability of the industry.
Project objective:
Investigate workforce development needs of the industry in a collaborative manner and target specific area of need
Attract and train young graduates for dairy manufacturing industry.
Project scope:
In 2010, at a workshop on workforce development, manufacturing companies expressed keen interest in working collaboratively. An initiative in 2011 aims to build a community of practice among manufacturers.
Another major initiative is scholarships offered to graduates. Cheese and manufacturing scholarships provide 2-3 month training covering theory and practical aspects of dairy manufacturing followed by one week placements at factories of sponsoring companies.
The scholarship program converts 'generic' graduates into 'dairy' graduates and makes them ‘industry ready’ for employment. Over 5 years, 25-30 graduates will be trained depending on the needs of the industry.
Outcomes/benefits:
If the workforce development needs of manufacturers are not addressed, the efficiency of value adding could be adversely affected, which affects the long term profitability of industry. Specific benefits for the industry are:
- manufacturers will work collaboratively on workforce challenges facing the industry and share relevant information and avoid duplication
- passionate graduates are trained and are ‘industry ready’ for employment
More information:
For more information, please contact Dr Mani Iyer, Program manager Product Innovation