This innovative training program, started by the Food Processing Suppliers
Association (FPSA) in 2019, develops essential plant skills that allow workers to flourish in early career settings.
October 8, 2019, Today, FPSA announced a new food technician training program as part of an agreement with Lincoln Technical Institute. The new Food Industry Technician Program, also known as FIT, will kick off its inaugural 12-week series of lectures, hands-on training and mentorship with 10 students at Lincoln Tech’s Indianapolis campus in early November. The new program follows a pilot program designed to prepare future industry technicians for innovations in the complex equipment used by suppliers and processors.
First Class Set to Graduate from Lincoln Tech in January 2019
MCLEAN, VA December 13, 2018 – The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) is pleased to recognize the first students of their recently developed Food Industry Technician (FIT) Certification Program, created to prepare future technicians for careers in the Food & Beverage Processing, Packaging and Equipment Manufacturing Industry. This certification program being piloted at Lincoln Tech’s Union, New Jersey campus is in response to the technical complexity of food processing and equipment manufacturing and the growing need for technicians with a specific skill set in the fast-changing food and beverage industry.
The Food Industry Technician Certification program was officially announced on September 16 at PROCESS EXPO. The need for more skilled technicians hit a cord with processors across the industry.
Below are some excerpts from the press coverage that followed the announcement.
Meat + Poultry: PROCESS EXPO: Fit for Employment
“The second day of the 2015 Process Expo kicked off with the Food Processing Education Consortium (FPEC) announcing the creation of an education program to certify current and prospective technicians in the food and beverage processing industry. The two-year, Food Industry Technician Development Program (FIT) will provide participants with the technical skills needed to help fill an estimated 3.5 million ‘middle-skill jobs’ that don’t require a four-year degree, according to officials with the FPEC.”
WattAgNet.com: New Food Industry Technicians Development Program Launched
“Poultry processors and suppliers were among those involved in creating a new professional certification to train qualified service technicians in the food industry.
Tyson Foods and West Liberty Foods, as part of the Food Processing Education Consortium (FPEC), announced the creation of the Food Industry Technicians Development Program (FIT) on September 16 at Process Expo 2015.”
Refrigerated & Frozen Foods: National Certification Program Addresses Need for Trained Service Technicians
“The Food Processing Education Consortium (FPEC) announced the creation of the Food Industry Technicians Development Program (FIT), what is said to be the first national certification program for service technicians in all segments of the packaging, processing and food and beverage manufacturing industry.
In the United States, there are currently 3.5 million unfilled middle-skill jobs that do not require a 4-year degree and make up the largest part of the labor market in the country. The FIT Program addresses this great need for trained service technicians that food manufacturers can hire.”
McLean, VA – At PROCESS EXPO 2015, the Food Processing Education Consortium (FPEC) today announced the creation of the Food Industry Technicians Development Program (FIT), the first national certification program for service technicians in all segments of the packaging, processing, and food and beverage manufacturing industry. In the U.S. there are currently 3.5 million unfilled middle-skill jobs that do not require a four-year degree and make up the largest part of the labor market in the country. The FIT Program addresses this great need for trained service technicians that food manufacturers can hire in the U.S. Read More
In the months leading up to PROCESS EXPO 2015, FPSA reached out to several of its members to learn more about current trends and technologies, as well as challenges facing the food processing industry. One of the challenges that came up repeatedly was difficulty finding qualified workers, especially qualified technicians.
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According to a new analysis by USA Today, more than 2.5 million new middle-skill jobs will be added to the workforce by 2017, accounting for almost 40% of job growth.
Middle-skill jobs — like electricians, pipefitters, and food industry technicians — require training past high school, but not a four-year college degree. Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, commented: “There’s a new middle. It’s tougher, and takes more skill.” Read More
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