Labour shortages and skill gaps remain “pressing issues” the bakery industry cannot afford to ignore, says the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) association, and as a result, are partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) to address these crucial issues.
ASU is actively addressing the workforce need through its AZNEXT Program, using a multi-prong approach to amplify curriculum for industry-bound students, leading efforts to upskill and reskill and the workforce and assists companies in training their own new labour pools.
This year’s Workforce Wednesday edition will tap into ASU’s innovative leadership to offer three, workforce-focused session which includes:
- Key Sustainability Issues for Bakery Products and Equipment, which will discuss the environmental and social hotspots associated with bakery products and equipment, as well as highlight indicators used by CPG companies and retailers to measure sustainability performance.
- Digital Twin & Industrial Internet of Things (IoT): A Technical & Business Discussion will focus on themes of IoT and how project workstreams are relevant to these projects.
- AZNext & Workforce Development Opportunities will look at how to directly address talent gaps, reduce training costs and how to enhance and add value for employees.
The Workforce Wednesday edition of the BEMA Convention 2023 will be taking place virtually on Wednesday, 21 June 2023. The interactive professional development format is offered for the bakery industry audience members unable to attend the convention in-person, specifically targeted at bakery industry professionals.
The 50-minute sessions hosted by BEMA staff are virtual and therefore accessible anywhere in the world, providing participants with actionable skills they can apply immediately. Attendees of Workforce Wednesday can also join their peers virtually on 22 June and 23 June.
“Partnering with ASU allows Workforce Wednesday participants the ability to tap into the insights of strong workforce development initiatives delivered by faculty from a top-tier institution,” said Emily Bowers, Vice President, Education and Operations, BEMA. “Such a collaboration will offer participants new methods of addressing the need for an active and sustainable workforce today and in the future.”
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Editor, International Bakery
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