IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING ON EQUIPMENT (Industry Column

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Hand made cheeses using fresh goats milk, the finest cultures, WA salt and lots of love. Natural wholesome foods, rich in flavour and goodness.

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Importance of Training on Equipment

In the current marketplace all industries are pushing into oncoming headwinds with pressure on increased operating costs and decreased options of suitably qualified staff in all areas of the Hospitality sector. Operators need to think outside the square to ensure they can operate and continue to offer the service and product to their customers, while maintaining suitable margins for their business.

In many cases, we look at technology and invest heavily in upgrading equipment to assist in reducing factors related to increased costs and reduced access to staff. This is a sound and perfectly suitable solution, and I see this as a key factor when talking and consulting with my customers. The issue that arises when the business looks at options and then invests in equipment, is maximizing the return on the initial investment. This is based on the site and relevant staff operating the unit that has been purchased, and we see this constantly in all areas. Education is the key and providing the tools and procedures to assist in all the staff understanding maximises the benefits of the equipment. You can ensure this in the following ways: • Allow all staff access to read the user manual. In most instances there is clear and concise information on how to operate the unit and set it up to suit your requirements. I know that sounds basic, but it’s amazing how many people don’t do this and work blind with limited or no understanding of what they are working with.

• Always purchase equipment with local back-up support either from the distributor or the manufacturer and ensure you ask for operational training on installation. Then champion suitable staff to engage in this training to pass it on to new staff.

• Utilise the training tools that are available. Most premium solutions offer regular operational training sessions and have suitable operational videos available online. Allow staff the time to research and attend these sessions as they will continually learn, and therefore, increase profits in the long term. Training in all areas of business is an essential investment. It will increase quality service and production, while staff will feel more confident. Retention will increase and potential new staff will see the benefits of working for you over others that don’t support their staff in detailed and constructive training. By Brian Garcia of Moffat