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Employers, workers, organized labor, education, government, and consumers
will benefit from a food processing industry with a qualified workforce.
However, to become fully qualified, the first step is making workers
aware of the knowledge and competency required to do their jobs well.
Skill standards are now available to food industry management for
five common job categories in the fruit and vegetable processing industry
(SIC code 203x). All five of the skill standards are intended to be
adapted to individual company specifications.
A three-phase process was undertaken to develop
the Skill Standards:
1) Identify critical work functions, key activities, and performance
indicators and identify occupational technical knowledge and skills.
2)
Identify and level academic and employability skills.
3)
Validate the critical work functions and key activities. The elements
for each standard were provided initially by food processing workers
in the specific job areas from 17 companies in Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington. Their input was refined and validated by food companies,
independent observers, and public education specialists. This project
is also consistent with the criteria set by the Washington State
Board of Community and Technical Colleges, a national leader in
skill standards projects.
Five job clusters were identified:
Laboratory Technician Critical Work Functions:
A)
Establish Standard Operating Procedures;
B)
Maintain Facility;
C)
Test Material And Product;
D)
Perform and Document Analysis;
E)
Manage Data;
F)
Perform Administrative Duties.
Trimmer/Inspector/Belt Sorter Critical Work Functions:
A)
Inspect Raw Products;
B)
Inspect/Pack Processed Products;
C)
Maintain Work Environment.
Maintenance/General Mechanic Critical Work Functions:
A)
Maintain Water and Steam Systems within the Plant;
B)
Maintain Mechanical Equipment;
C)
Maintain Hydraulic Systems;
D)
Maintain Pneumatic Vacuum Systems;
E)
Maintain HVAC Refrigeration Systems;
F)
Perform Administrative Duties.
Operator Critical Work Functions:
A)
Process Product;
B)
Package Product;
C)
Monitor and Maintain Process;
D)
Maintain Documentation.
Sanitation Critical Work Functions:
A)
Handle Chemicals;
B)
Clean/Maintain Facility;
C)
Transport Material;
D)
Perform and Document Inspections.
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Northwest
Food Processors Association Skill Standards Manual