Our Favourite Training Programs in Food & Beverage

We had a question from a newbie Food Science grad;

Are you aware of any new grad management training or other opportunities where you would rotate functions? I’m not quite sure how to look for them specifically?”

It’s a great question and I know it will help lots of other students and grads plan ahead.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know…

Having the opportunity to see different people at work in different functions across different departments is SUCH a valuable experience.  It can save you time and money in the long run if you have a clear idea about your career path.

Believe it or not, it’s a win-win.  Companies appreciate new grads with well thought out career goals as it saves them time and money too!

We reached out to our F&B network and decided to highlight 2 companies that really stood out based on their program and reputation.

Cavendish Farms

Cavendish Farms has an Operations Management Training program where you spend time in each area of the business, farm to fork so to speak. If the person is not committed to learning the business then this is not for them.  It requires the person to become immersed in each aspect of the business, ask questions, actually work with people in the area and, to show competency/understanding of the area.  At the end they present to a panel of seasoned employees that work in the department and suggest improvements etc.

This is not a show up and pass program, if you do not demonstrate knowledge and competency in the area then back you go for additional time so you are able to demonstrate knowledge and competency. It requires grit, it requires that the person be a self starter, and that the person wants to learn the business from the ground up.

They are looking for future leaders.  “We fully believe they are made through experience and knowledge not simply education – if you can’t work a night shift then how can you make a decision for the people that are?” Bill Meisner, VP Operations at Cavendish Farms.

Labatt Breweries of Canada

1 year programs let you rotate locations and groups within a specific functional department.  In this program, you’ll not only have the opportunity to learn the fascinating processes behind the Brewing, Operations, Logistics, and Utilities departments, they’ll also teach you to be a leader.

Not many jobs give you the opportunity to manage an entire team right out of school, this one will.  They are currently in their recruitment phase, check them out.

Can you recommend a great rotation program for Food Grads in Canada or the US?  Please leave a comment or email details.

Here are Western University Science Interns talking about the benefits! Thank you Anmoal Gill Rupayan Mukherjee Rhett Figliuzzi Luna Guiot Jeen Yang Josh Nolan.