A&P CREATES CBT MODULE FOR EXOTIC PRODUCE IDS

LINDA PURPURA

MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P here has created its own computer-based training program for identifying exotic types of produce. The expanded CBT module will be made available to A&P stores this fall.

The program, created with assistance from the chain's national produce department, supplements A&P's basic cashier and produce identification CBT, according to Scott Milligan, director of training and development at A&P.

Called Produce Around the World, the supplemental program identifies nearly 100 types of produce from Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, India, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Europe and Africa.

In addition to cashiers, the program can also be used by produce clerks. The module provides information on how to use a particular product as well as care and handling data. "This is information that cashiers wouldn't need, but produce clerks would," Milligan said.

Down the road, A&P may create its own training program for customer relations. A&P currently uses CBT programs for cashier and produce identification, receiving of direct-store-delivery, labor scheduling, safety and sanitation. The retailer has used CBT for nearly two years.

The average time cashiers spend on the basic cashier and produce identification CBT program is about six to seven hours, Milligan said. He added that cashiers also receive hands-on training.

The new produce program will be made available to all stores with expanded produce departments within A&P's family of companies.

A&P's 12 divisions include Super Fresh Food Markets, Florence, N.J.; Mid-Atlantic Group, Baltimore; Kohl's Food Stores, Wauwatosa, Wis.; Michigan Group, Detroit; Southeast Group, Atlanta; Southern Group, Jefferson, La.; Waldbaum's, Central Islip, N.Y.; Metro Group, Montvale, N.J.; New England Group, Springfield, Mass.; Canada Group, Etobicoke, Ontario; Carolina Group, Raleigh, N.C.; and South Central Group, Richmond, Va.

A&P used software from Aimtech, Nashua, N.H., to create the supplemental CBT produce program.