Pass’IFRIA – a tailor-made approach to training in the food industry in France

The Pass’IFRIA is a course of integration and training of six months for new workers in the food industry. It is a short training, centred on practical skills. It is completely accomplished within the company through dual training, with theoretical lessons and training at the workplace.

Objective

The objective is to attract workers thanks to a dual education approach that helps them be operational and confident. This system aims to promote multitasking profiles for newly recruited workers while ensuring that know-how remains in the company.

Theory inputs are provided by external training officers specialised in the food processing industry. The 100 hours of courses cover knowledge like hygiene, quality, security, organisation of the firm and technological aspects applied to jobs.

The practical training (250 hours) at the workplace is directly conducted by the staff of the firm and adapted to the production workshops. It covers the acquisition know-how for jobs with recruitment issues. Some examples of jobs covered: driving machines, operating technology processes, maintenance and team management.

Outcome and achievements

This system has proven its efficiency through more than 130 training operations engaged between 2006 and 2014 offered to 1.300 workers in 11 industrial areas and various sub-sectors of the food industry (meat, milk, fish, vegetables).

Company tutors, who are often senior workers, have followed training for trainers and can therefore benefit from a higher profile in the company or on the labour market. Workers receive a certificate of capacities that is recognised in the entire sector. Their employability on the labour market has improved.

The PASS’IFRIA exists since 2005. It is offered all around France thanks to the network of 11 IFRIA. IFRIA is composed of regional associations managed jointly by employers and unions representatives. Its task is to support companies regarding the administrative and legal requirements linked to vocational training. It plays a role regarding tutors training and coordination with vocational training bodies. Companies provide tutors to train the apprentices, selects and finally recruits the workers if they succeed.