The Level 2 Award for Proficiency in Poultry Meat Inspection was delivered by Poultec Training at Cranberry Foods' plant in Derbyshire over the course of a week.

The course started with two days training in the classroom where subjects covered included food hygiene, health and safety, and HACCP. This was followed by on-line assessments to make sure all the learners were competent in their poultry meat inspection roles.

Cranberry Foods HR Manager Pam Westwood said: "Cranberry Foods are committed to the development and training of their staff and the new qualification will improve operator’s post-mortem inspection capabilities. It is excellent that the course is designed to cater for those whose first language is not English and recognises their skills."

Poultec has been delivering training to the poultry industry since 1977 and is the biggest single provider of poultry related NVQs in the country.

Nathan Raines who is responsible for the management of all food manufacturing and agricultural training at Poultec added: "Qualifications are a way of demonstrating and verifying an individual's competence and knowledge in the job they are undertaking and can help to develop confidence and skills in the workplace. From a businesses’ point of view investment in training is a way to help motivate staff and encourage them to take pride in their work, as well as being an essential tool in reducing costs."