Addressing the Workforce Crisis in Food Processing

By investing in training programs, partnering with technical schools, and creating clear career pathways, companies can begin to close the gap and secure the skilled talent they need.

Bryan Griffen

Dec 20, 2024

A company’s commitment to continuous education creates a more flexible and knowledgeable workforce that can adapt to evolving technological trends and industry requirements.

Getty

The food processing industry faces a critical workforce challenge that threatens to weaken manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and growth. As seasoned workers continue to retire at an ever-increasing rate, and technological advancements outpace the skillsets of the current workforce, the gap between the current workforce and the workforce we need continues to widen. Companies in the food processing sector continue to struggle with finding skilled workers to fill key factory positions, and the repercussions are being felt across the entire supply chain.

Here, I’ll offer an overview of the challenges creating the current skills gap and propose strategies to help bridge it. Also, in future columns throughout 2025, I’ll take a deeper dive into each of these strategies, exploring practical solutions and real-world examples to help companies adapt to the rapidly changing workforce landscape.

The Growing Skills Gap in Food Processing

The food processing industry is heavily reliant on skilled workers who understand the nuances of both machinery and process operations. However, as many of the industry’s most experienced workers retire, companies are losing vital tribal knowledge that is not easily replaced. The skills these seasoned workers developed over decades of experience on the factory floor often extend beyond what can be learned in a classroom, encompassing problem-solving abilities, equipment-specific know-how, and a deep understanding of the complexities of food processing. This loss of expertise is exacerbated by a limited pool of candidates who possess both the technical skills required, and the desire, to operate and maintain modern processing equipment.

Adding to this challenge is the rapid advancement of technology within the industry. Automation, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge tools are revolutionizing how food is processed, packaged, and monitored for quality. While these technologies offer vast improvements in efficiency and safety, they also require workers with highly specialized skills in areas such as automation, robotics, and data analytics—skills that many of the industry’s current workforce don’t possess. As a result, companies are left wrestling with how to best manage and maintain advanced equipment without the necessary expertise.

Companies that invest in modernizing their work environments can make food processing facilities more appealing to younger, tech-savvy workers.Getty

Additionally, recruitment in the food processing industry is becoming increasingly difficult. The competition for skilled labor is intense, with other industries, such as automotive, logistics, and technology offering attractive alternatives. Younger workers often gravitate toward sectors they perceive as more innovative or with clearer career advancement paths, leaving food processing companies to contend with a shrinking labor pool and an uphill battle to attract new talent.

Addressing the Crisis Through Strategic Training and Education

One of the most effective ways to bridge the skills gap is through strategic investment in training and education. Companies need to take a proactive approach by investing in their current workforce through training and upskilling programs. This investment addresses immediate labor shortages and builds a more resilient workforce capable of adapting to future needs.

Creating opportunities for employees to enhance their skillsets should include a mix of on-the-job training, mentorship from more experienced workers, and access to external educational resources, such as programs focused on certifications in equipment maintenance, process automation, or food safety. Companies might also consider leveraging online learning platforms or collaborating with training providers to offer employees a variety of learning options. The key is to ensure that employees are continuously developing their skills to meet the demands of modern food processing, rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise.

Mentorship programs play a vital role in retention. Pairing younger employees with experienced workers not only fosters skill transfer but also strengthens relationships within the company.Getty

In addition to internal training programs, partnerships with technical schools and apprenticeship programs can provide a steady pipeline of skilled workers. By working closely with local schools, food processing companies can help shape curricula to ensure that students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in today’s processing environments. These partnerships also offer companies early access to emerging talent, enabling them to cultivate a workforce that is skilled with the specific needs of the organization.

Promoting lifelong learning should be a cornerstone of any strategy to bridge the skills gap. Encouraging employees to pursue advanced certifications or specialized training in areas such as robotics, data analytics, or process engineering will elevate the skill level across the board. In the long term, this commitment to continuous education creates a more flexible and knowledgeable workforce that can adapt to evolving technological trends and industry requirements.

Creating Career Pathways for Retention and Growth

Providing clear career pathways is another critical component in bridging the skills gap. Employees who see a future with their company are far more likely to stay, reducing turnover and ensuring that organizations retain valuable expertise. A well-defined career development program can help employees understand not only their current role but also the steps they need to take to advance within the company.

Food processing companies must invest in career development programs that map out potential paths for growth within the organization. This can include leadership training, cross-departmental rotations, and opportunities to move into more advanced technical roles. For instance, an operator could advance to a lead technician role, then move into a supervisory position, eventually branching into project management or technical training. When employees understand that they have the potential for career advancement, they are more motivated to engage with training programs and contribute to the company’s long-term success. In turn, companies benefit from having a motivated, goal-oriented workforce that is eager to take on new challenges.

Mentorship programs also play a vital role in retention. Pairing younger employees with experienced workers not only fosters skill transfer but also strengthens relationships within the company. These mentorships can extend beyond technical skills, helping newer employees navigate workplace dynamics, learn company culture, and develop a sense of belonging. This type of knowledge-sharing ensures that critical institutional knowledge does not leave the organization when senior employees retire, preserving the company’s competitive advantage.

Retaining and Attracting New Talent with Competitive Benefits

While training and career development programs are essential, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages is equally important in attracting and retaining talent. In a competitive job market, food processing companies need to offer more than just a paycheck. Comprehensive benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and work-life balance initiatives, are key to standing out to prospective employees.

Additionally, modernizing work environments can make food processing facilities more appealing to younger, tech-savvy workers. Facilities that incorporate digital tools, flexible work options (where feasible), and collaborative spaces foster an environment where employees feel supported and valued. Younger workers often seek workplaces that offer more than just traditional employment—they look for places that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. By creating a modern, flexible work environment, companies can make themselves more attractive to the next generation of talent.

Conclusion

The skills gap in the food processing industry is not going away, but there are solutions available to address it. By investing in training programs, partnering with technical schools, and creating clear career pathways, companies can begin to close the gap and secure the skilled talent they need. Furthermore, offering competitive compensation and benefits will help companies attract and retain the right workers for the future.

In my future columns, I will take a deeper dive into each of these strategies, providing actionable insights and case studies to help companies implement solutions that can bridge the skills gap and ensure a successful future for the food processing industry.