IFPT announces new course

The Institute of Food Processing Technology’s (IFPT) first course has been announced.

The course is Food Safety in the Process Operator – Food Manufacturing apprenticeship program, which is now under development.

It will be offered this October at the Doon campus of Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont., where IFPT is located.

Construction began on the IFPT in September of 2009.

The new 60,000 sq.-ft. facility will serve as a training ground for much needed skilled professionals in food and beverage processing.

It is the first of its kind in Canada.

Food Safety course

The Food Safety course is open to any applicant with an interest in food processing and food safety, but registered apprentices will receive admission priority.

Food Safety is the cornerstone course at IFPT. It will serve as the core course for all subsequent programs offered by the Institute.

The IFPT has announced the Food Safety course now to encourage employers to hire and register apprentices in the food-processing sector.

Employers with registered apprentices may qualify to receive up to $12,000 per apprentice per year in tax credits from the federal and provincial governments.

The Food Safety course is approximately 90 hours and will run Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., from Oct. 18 through Dec. 6.

The course will focus on key safety practices and programs, including food-borne illness and food spoilage, food plant security, environmental impacts of a food manufacturing operation, avoidance of food contamination and cross-contamination situations, and effective record-keeping.