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The Food Safety and Inspection
Service is dedicated to becoming a world-class Public Health Organization.
A well-trained and competent workforce is a key element to making
any organization successful.
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Related Information
Workforce Training
Contains key features by the Center For Learning (CFL), along with links to Regional training, Online References, and a schedule of courses. |
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To achieve our public health goals, it is absolutely necessary that
we have a workforce that is scientifically and technically trained
and is dedicated to ensuring a safe supply of meat, poultry, and egg
products. We can achieve this by effective training and education
programs that improve and sustain our employees' skill levels. These
programs will give them the tools to effectively perform on the job.
The FSIS
Center for Learning (CFL) is responsible for providing
leadership in the formulation, administration, and evaluation of Agency
training and employee development policies and procedures. This includes
designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training programs
for federal, state, and other personnel engaged in meat, poultry,
and egg products inspection and leadership development. The vision
of CFL is to be "The First Choice in Continuous Learning."
Certain positions within FSIS have specific training requirements
that must be satisfied in order to retain employment in the Agency.
New employees selected for positions subject to "training
as a condition of employment" are required to attend
formal training shortly after accepting the positions. This may require
travel outside the duty location for an extended period. Employees
in these positions must attend and successfully complete the training
by attaining passing grades. Employees must also sign a training agreement
that outlines the terms and conditions of their employment.
In partnership with major universities and other federal agencies,
CFL provides formal classes that ensure our diverse, highly skilled
inspection force is prepared to provide public health protection today
and in the future. The numerous training and education programs provided
by CFL cover a variety of subjects including:
The Center for Learning's Organization
and Employee Development Branch (OEDB), located in Washington,
DC, provides a multi-functional approach to training and organization
effectiveness through leadership development, coaching and consulting.
OEDB has a team of internal consultants certified in training and
organization development. These consultants are available to help
FSIS individuals and groups learn to achieve superior developmental
results in a continuously changing environment.
CFL provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to learning by
taking learning to the employees. The
Food Safety Virtual University provides electronically formatted
course materials that can be delivered to a widely dispersed and very
diverse audience. The Virtual University makes it possible for almost
anyone to access information, training, and education. Among the courses
offered are HACCP computer-based training, canning technology training,
processing training and other inspection-related topics. English,
math, Spanish and many basic science courses and other distance
learning resources are also offered. Many of these self-study
courses can be completed through correspondence (by mail). An
added feature is the Certificate of Excellence program that recognizes
members of the workforce who attain prescribed levels of learning
through the self-study courses. CFL is continually evaluating distance
learning options so that an increasing number of training choices
are available as close to the employee work place as possible.
CFL's capable and talented media and technology development staff
provide a variety of instructional aids using the latest digital technology.
They provide a wide variety of support to Agency and USDA customers.
The Continuing Education Program (CEP) encourages the pursuit of professional
education. In this program, field employees can enroll in college/university
courses that benefit their job positions and receive reimbursement
when the courses are successfully completed. CFL is working to expand
this opportunity to all Agency employees.
As the role of Agency training and education expands, CFL is moving
to a more contractually based approach to course development and delivery.
Working with a variety of federal, state, local, and commercial partners,
the CFL is continually exploring new ways to provide the best learning
experiences possible to the FSIS workforce.
Continuous learning is a critical aspect of human capital development.
It enhances the employee's knowledge, skills and abilities that enhance
the Agencies capability to respond in the increasingly complex arena
of public health. The Center for Learning is committed to making available
the best possible training and education programs in support of our
public health mission, so that each employees will have maximum opportunity
for personal and career growth. |
| Employee
Services |
Last Modified:
March 28, 2006 |
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