A Melbourne TAFE is now offering courses in greengrocery.

From February 2018, Melbourne Polytechnic is offering a Certificate II and Certificate III in Greengrocery.

Melbourne Polytechnic says it is the first education facilities in the world to offer qualifications in greengrocery.

Fotina Babalis, Melbourne Polytechnic Service Delivery Manager at Melbourne Market Authority, said there are a number of outcomes to the new study course.

“There are a number of outcomes, but one of the most important outcomes is that we have employees that will be trained to work and remain within the wholesale or retail arm of greengrocery,” Babalis said.

“It has been very challenging to retain employees; [store owners] would train them in-house and they’d work for a while and then they’d leave for other opportunities.”

Babalis said the qualifications is something the industry has needed for some time.

“This industry has a high turnover of staff and so we are hoping that by undertaking these courses, staff can be properly trained and be retained throughout the industry.”

The certificates were developed in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne Market Authority and skilled greengrocers.

Throughout their studies, students will learn how to identify different fruit and vegetable varieties and how to give advice to customers. The students will also learn how to package and display items, how to handle and store produce and how to place orders from suppliers.

Anyone from school leavers right through to those already in the industry can undertake either of the available certificates.

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