November 20, 2024 - After 10 months of training, 16 experts have received a Diploma from the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT). The best performance was achieved by Mark Werthmann from Switzerland.
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| The graduates of the 39th diploma course in Feed Milling Technology together with their lecturers and relatives |
Participants from six continents and 14 different countries took part in the 39th edition of the diploma course, underlining the global importance and high reputation of this further training. The 2024 diploma course in compound feed technology had been carried out from December 2023 to October 2024 and took place for the last time at the historic training centre on Badstrasse in Uzwil. On Friday, October 4, 2024, all 16 participants proudly received their certificates. The achievements and commitment were recognised in a festive ceremony at Hagenwil Castle. Through intensive self-study and hands-on classroom training, they deepened their knowledge of the complex processes involved in compound feed production.
The future leaders
In his speech, Reto Mösch encouraged the graduates to make active use of their knowledge: "You have now everything in your hands to make precise and efficient progress in your company with the right technology.
Today's challenges such as the availability of raw materials, variations in their quality, changing eating and purchasing habits of consumers, the use of by-products from the food industry and the demand for sustainable and efficient technologies require the development and dissemination of technological and innovative know-how. At the same time, increasing regulatory requirements for feed safety, animal health and animal welfare pose additional challenges to feed manufacturers. "Training in feed milling at the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology provides graduates with the necessary knowledge to successfully meet these demands," says Lothar Driller, Managing Director of the SFT.
The diploma course covers a wide range of fundamentals from process engineering, animal nutrition, automation and feed mill management to the latest sensor technologies. These skills will enable graduates to take on management roles and successfully develop the industry.
Mark Werthmann top of the class
A special highlight of the graduation ceremony was the honouring of Mark Werthmann, who graduated top of class with an overall grade of 96%. Mark Werthmann works as a process engineer for Bühler AG in Switzerland and impressed from the start with excellent results. In addition, he was also a lecturer for the subjects of Liquid and Steam Addition as well as Sensor Technology, which was double burden and unique in SFT history. At the graduation ceremony, he was awarded the traditional Swiss tin plate for his outstanding achievements.
Working twice as hard
The training to become a Feed Production Engineer takes place on a part-time basis. The attendance period is eight weeks, divided into two blocks. Between the two blocks, participants undertake independent studies in 21 subjects. During the two intensive courses, participants complete a total of 13 written examinations. The two oral examinations on the core thematic areas, in front of a panel of experts, from the highlight and final phase of each learning block. This requires commitment and sacrifice from the students.
Lothar Driller thanks the employers who have supported the graduates in various ways, eg by paying the course fees or giving the participants time off during the two intensive courses.
Hands-on focus
The SFT association was founded in 1979 on the initiative of Dr Rene Bühler and is accredited by the Association of Swiss Feed Manufacturers (VSF) as a centre of excellence for feed technology. The SFT provides professionals from the feed milling industry and related sectors with practical expertise in the production of animal feed. Upon successful completion of the diploma course, graduates will be able to understand and apply all modern process technologies and machines in a compound feed manufacturing plant. The Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer Buhler AG is a partner of the SFT. To date, 624 professionals from 75 countries have successfully completed the diploma as a Feed Production Engineer.
The next diploma course in feed technology will start in January 2025 and will be held in German in the. new premises with an updated training concept. The close proximity to the newly opened Bühler Grain Innovation Center will enable even more practice-oriented training.
For more information, visit HERE.
The Global MillerThis blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.
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