NAFEM vice president acknowledges FEA role in taking CFSP ‘to the next level’
The best of the best: who scored top marks in CFSP exam since 2009?
FEA celebrated the tenth anniversary of the CFSP (Certified Foodservice Professional) training programme with a special event during the HRC Show. It was attended by many of the foodservice professionals who have taken the course since 2009, including the latest class of graduates.
Simon Frost, chair of FEA’s Education Advisory Group, hosted the event standing in front of the CFSP Wall of Fame, which now lists 586 UK persons who have passed the exam. “CFSP is all about raising the professionalism of the whole foodservice industry,” he said. CFSP began in North America and Deirdre Flynn, executive vice president of FEA’s USA equivalent, NAFEM (North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers) joined Simon on stage. She spoke about FEA’s huge role in taking CFSP to the next level, by exporting it to countries around the globe, including Sweden, Dubai, Austria and India.
At the end of her speech Simon presented Deirdre with a glass trophy in recognition of the ten years partnership between FEA and NAFEM.
Completing CFSP is not an easy task – just ask anyone who has tried. With so many graduates past and present on hand, it was time for a celebration of the best of the best. “We are delighted to announce that the two people who gained the highest score in passing CFSP are here today,” said Simon. “They are Megan Nesbitt of FEM and Dan Pratt of Foster and Gamko.” He then presented both with trophies in recognition of their hard work.
“CFSP has such a wide scope, you learn about everything, front of house and in the kitchen,” said Megan. “It means you can understand customers’ challenges and can relate to them, so you can suggest what would be best to solve their problem. CFSP is a lot of work but you get a lot out of it.”
“CFSP has given me more confidence and knowledge to talk to end users,” said Dan. “It helps me to spot potential pain points and suggest solutions. I’d absolutely recommend it to other foodservice professionals.”
Note for editors: from March 1st 2020 CESA became FEA, the Foodservice Equipment Association. For more information, please contact The Publicity Works.