SVO helps food companies with targeted training

Attracting new employees is a challenge. Part of the solution lies in strategic employee development. Training boosts motivation, strengthens employee engagement, and improves business performance. That’s why SVO vakopleiding food will be offering MBO certificate programs starting next school year.

Most companies will recognise this: filling vacancies is tough. Strategic training can help. It means taking a close look at your current team and identifying which employees have the potential to grow into roles for which finding new employees is a challenge. “SVO is happy to support companies in shaping strategic training within their organisation,” says Jacqueline van Duinen, education specialist at SVO. “That’s why we offer a broad range of training options, so companies can choose the format that suits them best. We provide various MBO programs that combine working and learning, as well as numerous job-specific training courses. As of next school year, we’re adding a new format to our training options: the MBO certificate programs. These programs allow employees to specialise in a specific field within a short time, without having to take general education subjects.”

Shortened MBO track

During an MBO certificate program, employees receive focused training over a period of 20 to 30 weeks, resulting in a recognised MBO certificate. These programs concentrate on professional knowledge and skills and do not include general subjects like Dutch, math, or citizenship. This aligns with the preferences of the food industry, as many employees see these general subjects as a barrier to enrolling in a full MBO program. “With an MBO certificate program, they can quickly build expertise in their own field,” says Jacqueline. “That enables them to advance more quickly within the company.”

Five MBO certificates

SVO offers five MBO certificate programs:

• Basic operations in the fresh food industry
• Processing and handling of fresh products
• Monitoring and improving fresh food production
• Leadership in the fresh food industry
• Organising and monitoring fresh food production

These are components of level 2, 3, or 4 MBO programs. They’ve been developed in close collaboration with the industry and tie in seamlessly with day-to-day work practice. The shortened programs can be delivered in-company or at an SVO location.

In-company training

Rob Sleddens is production manager at Cérélia, a producer of pastry dough and pancakes, among other products. Training is a key focus at Cérélia. “We want to give our people the opportunity to develop and grow,” Rob explains. “That increases motivation and strengthens their connection to our company. Well-trained employees also help raise quality standards on the work floor. In recent years, we’ve struggled to recruit good supervisors. By offering training to our operators, we can identify who has the potential to step into leadership roles. Two years ago, a group of new operators completed an MBO level 2 program from SVO. It was given on-site at Cérélia, which allowed instructors to make the course even more practical. That approach worked really well. The participants learned a lot in a short time and felt at home in the company more quickly.”

Motivation

Cérélia currently has no in-company group, but several employees are enrolled in MBO programs at SVO locations. “These courses are really motivating,” says Rob. “We use unique machines at Cérélia—ones we’ve developed ourselves. You don’t master them overnight. The training helps people learn faster and take on more complex tasks sooner, such as troubleshooting technical issues. That makes them more enthusiastic about their work.”

Finding hidden gems

Rob sees great potential in SVO’s new certificate programs. “Many of our employees speak different languages, and general subjects like Dutch can really be a barrier for them,” he says. “A short program like this teaches them exactly what they need to improve at their job. For us, investing in training is always worthwhile. We don’t ask people to repay us if they leave after finishing a course. Training isn’t meant to pressure anyone. If someone doesn’t want to stay, it’s better that they move on. Our main goal is to encourage our employees to start learning. And with a bit of luck, we’ll uncover some hidden gems, who can really grow with us.”

More information

The new MBO certificate programs from SVO will be available from the 2025–2026 school year. For more information and the full range of courses and training programs:

www.svo.nl

Photos: © Pim Paddenburg