SPAR Botswana has formally launched its Academy of Learning, an educational initiative that plays a crucial role in developing retail and distribution employees.

The project, which was two years in the making, has resulted in a world class training facility with state-of-the-art equipment and test kitchens that ensure that staff acquire practical skills in butchery, bakery, catering and produce management.

SPAR Botswana has been operational since 2004 and is considered the leading food retailer in the country. In recognising that the knowledge and skills of its staff can define its advantage over the competition, SPAR Botswana saw the need to create its own specialised training school to provide departmental staff with both theoretical and hands-on training.

The new Academy, which will ensure that staff have the knowledge and tools required to fulfil their roles and grow within the business, was developed in partnership with the Botswana Qualifications Authority, an experienced team involved in ensuring that the training programmes are accredited and meet the required standards.

The Academy was launched with a grand opening on 8 September 2015. Present at the opening were Desmond Borragerio, Managing Director of the SPAR Group Botswana, his Executive Management team and a number of SPAR retailers and suppliers.

The Minister of Education, Unity Dow, officially opened the Academy of Learning. In her speech, she said that she would like to see more companies following in the footsteps of SPAR in giving staff specialised training.

Commenting on the importance of the Academy, Desmond Borrageiro said: “Our people are our most important asset and we realise that we need to develop them to make SPAR stand out.”