The Garden Centre Association’s has launched a new Food Safety Level 3 course on its award-winning e-learning platform. 

It’s the 98th course to be added to the GCA’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) and it’s available to both the body’s members and those of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

GROW’s Instructional Designer, Antony Snow says: “Food safety is not only essential, but it’s a legal requirement for any food handling business, so I’m delighted to be able to offer this course to our members, which complements our Food Safety Level 1 and Level 2 courses that are available currently.

“Designed for supervisors, managers and those with a responsibility for overseeing food safety in the workplace, this comprehensive course provides learners with an in-depth knowledge of food safety management, legislation and effective supervisory skills.

“The course content is broken down into 11 bite-sized modules that use a blend of theory and practical application that will allow our members’ employees to develop the competence needed to maintain high standards, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard themselves and their customers.”

There are currently 98 courses and more than 12,000 GROW users across the UK.

The platform was originally devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.

It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks adds: “GROW is a valuable and budget-friendly resource for staff training and personal development, and it’s consistently praised by our members. With round-the-clock access, every day of the year, it’s perfectly suited for garden centre team members to learn at their own pace and convenience.

“Interested in discovering more about GROW, this course, or the other 97 available through our user-friendly online platform? Please visit our dedicated webpage: www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information. You can also contact Antony by emailing grow@gca.org.uk. The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers and, for an additional cost of just £49 +VAT per licence or learner, it offers outstanding value for money.”

GROW provides an extensive set of important courses on subject matter designed to help staff successfully assist customers and colleagues as needed.

These include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.