Trainers working in the food industry have just a month left to enter an designed to recognise excellence in people development.

The John Sainsbury Award for Learning and Development is part of the 2004 Food Industry Awards.

Last year’s winner was S&A Foods for their Learning Centre and Learning Partnerships concepts.

The company wanted to promote a learning culture with personal development and work-based learning.

After surveying the needs of its multi-cultural, predominantly female workforce it discovered the key skill gaps were in IT training, English as a second language and interpersonal skills.

It was decided that the best approach was a learning centre, available and accessible to all employees, with the appointment of a multi-lingual learning manager.

The result was a fully equipped, state-of-the-art learning centre on the S&A site.

Around 250 employees enrolled during the first fortnight and many have now gained nationally recognised qualifications.

HR Development Manager Lisa Fitzsimons said “We are extremely proud of our achievements in the field of learning and development… The impact of winning the award has been tremendous.”

For more information on the John Sainsbury Award go to the awards website or phone 01923 857141.

The closing date for entries is Friday 16th July.

The winner will be announced at the Food Industry Awards ceremony on Tuesday 19th October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.