Find out more about RFG's state of the art training facility
Training can be a key differentiator. RFG have invested over $1M in a state of the art training facility for their growth strategy. In this Q&A with Faith Manning, National Sales and Leasing Coordination Manager we find out more.
QSR Media: Why has RFG invested in this new facility?
Faith: Since its inception in 1989, RFG has had two other training facilities – the most recent one at Railway Street, Southport they outgrew. With the acquisitions of both Brumby’s Bakery and Michel’s Patisserie to the RFG portfolio, a larger training facility was needed as more franchisees and support staff came on board. RFG opened the new training academy in April 2011 as part of its commitment to providing the best possible training facilities for new and existing franchisees, as it is during their training that they are equipped with the skills to make their business a reality. The comprehensive training is a blend of operational “hands on” training plus theoretical and business training. The theory training gives them the basic business skills needed to run their business, supplemented by ongoing store level support by the local Business Development Manager. This training covers a wide range of business topics from marketing, MYOB, business financials, rostering, recruitment, customer service, and operations. The practical hands on training covers the use of instore equipment, preparation and presentation of product, safe food handling, and operating procedures. Following completion of training in the academy all franchisees receive hands on experience in an operating store in their home state.
QSR Media: What kind of results are you getting?
Faith: In 2011-12 RFG trained the most trainees in a single year ever at the new facility. With a larger dedicated training space and skilled industry trainers, we are able to meet the growing demands of our brands. More than 200 trainees have completed training at the facility in last financial year. Trainees can be store managers and RFG internal field staff, but the majority are new franchisees to our system. New franchisees (depending on the brand) will cover a course anywhere from three to eight weeks of intensive blended training. RFG also delivers a Business Leaders Training program for experienced franchisees who have been in the business for a while and want to reinvigorate their business skills and grow their business. The feedback from franchisees who have trained at the new facility has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments received about the high quality of the training facility, content relevance and trainer skills.
QSR Media: What kind of outcomes does RFG want from the facility?
Faith: This financial year is set to be one of the biggest franchisee recruitment years to date, as RFG have recently added Pizza Capers to their brand portfolio. RFG has invested in quality trainers and cutting-edge equipment, and will continue to develop the training systems to adapt techniques that fit with their best practice franchisee training model. RFG is focused on producing highly-skilled franchisees that are prepared for the challenges of taking on a new business, and that is the primary outcome of the training academy.
QSR Media: What does RFG see as some of the big HR concerns and how does the facility address these?
Faith: RFG recognises the importance of franchisees being able to find and retain quality staff for their business. Finding quality staff is an issue for all small businesses, particularly in regional areas. Depending on the brand, the primary staff are the usually the franchisees themselves, with support from casual and permanent staff. Another HR concern for our franchisees is making sure that they meet their obligations to their workers with regard to wages and conditions, as they recognise that happy staff drive store results. To better equip our franchisees, during their time in the training facility new franchisees undertake business courses in a range of areas, including employment obligations and recruitment. By utilising experienced internal and external trainers RFG helps to ensure its franchisees are better positioned to undertake a successful business.
