LA MIRADA, CA — The Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) has announced a new FPFC Apprentice Program designed to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the fresh produce and floral industry. The nine-month program, commencing in May of 2014 and concluding at the FPFC’s 2015 Dinner Dance, will include tours, seminars and panel discussions.
“Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a priority for the Board,” says FPFC President Carissa Mace. “We’ve been discussing different avenues toward that goal and the Apprenticeship Program is what has evolved.”
In addition to education about and exposure to the complete supply chain, Apprentices will also learn about laws and regulations impacting the industry, and will be assigned projects to be completed between meetings, which Mace says will take place every 4-6 weeks.
“We also feel that exposure to the industry’s social networks is an important part of professional development,” Mace explains. To that end, mentors will accompany Apprentices at FPFC’s networking events, to facilitate introductions, and Apprentices will also participate in service-related projects like Team Produce at City of Hope’s Walk for Hope.
The program was conceived, developed and is being implemented by a volunteer committee chaired by Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Company and Kelly Craner, B & C Fresh Sales.
To qualify for the Apprentice program, applicants must have fewer than seven years’ experience in the industry and be currently employed by an FPFC member company.
Applications for the FPFC Apprentice Program will be accepted beginning in January 2014. Further information will be available on the program in the coming months.
For more information, please contact Carissa Mace at 714-739-0177 or via email at Carissa@fpfc.org.
Fresh Produce & Floral Council Mission Statement
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council is a dynamic community of professionals across all sectors of the fresh produce and floral industry who do business in California and the western region.
The Council is dedicated to providing members with convenient opportunities to build productive relationships, access timely market information, enhance their business skills, and pool their efforts to promote and advance the industry.
Source: Fresh Produce & Floral Council
