Griffin’s invests in training staff
For more than 150 years, New Zealanders have been enjoying Griffin’s ‘‘bikkies’’.
Founder John Griffin and his team created a culture of continual improvement back then, and today Griffin’s continues to invest in upskilling staff.
Olga Duncan is a supply chain and operations training development adviser who works across both Griffin’s manufacturing plants in South Auckland.
With around 700 staff nationally, Duncan says that, like many businesses today, hiring staff is one of the biggest challenges the company faces.
A company-wide commitment to developing staff has benefited the business over the years, particularly in the engagement and retention of their staff, but also the number of staff actively wanting to step up and apply for other internal roles.
More than 20 years ago, the company implemented a staff training programme that offered a formalised career pathway.
Partnering with Competenz, they have seen nearly 900 programmes completed by staff during that time. Programmes range from traineeships to apprenticeships, with most being in food or beverage processing, but also New Zealand Certificates in business-related qualifications and mechanical engineering.
Once on board, new recruits can expect a formalised plan to further their knowledge and job competency. New machine operators initially undertake a three to four-month limited credit programme in food or beverage processing before progressing to levels 2 and 3.
The Griffin’s Snacks Training Team delivers many of the training programmes in-house and is a registered Competenz workplace assessor, with the ability to assess a broad range of qualifications.
Duncan says the training is tailored and reviewed regularly by Griffin’s and Competenz, ensuring it is always relevant.
‘‘Many of the assessments are directly related to their real work and take place using the machinery they would use at their workstations – the familiar environment helps to create meaningful learning connections.
‘‘We try to engage the staff right from the start, and we work hard to create a supportive culture to help them complete their training.’’
As well as staff gaining knowledge and qualifications, the company has seen an increase in staff confidence levels, where they will apply for higher roles and also actively inquire about other development opportunities that are available to them.
Competenz account manager Bill Fisher has worked with Griffin’s for more than 10 years.
Fisher has been impressed by the manufacturer’s commitment to continuous improvement of their in-house training.
‘‘[Duncan] and the Griffin’s Snacks training team have an incredible scope across many qualifications and have written training and assessment material closely aligned to the business,’’ Fisher said.
‘‘The training team is very focused and over the past five years has added a framework around their internal training to produce many successful outcomes for their learners.’’