Management Training for Food Store Workers That’s Never Off-the-Shelf

Management training and employee management training programs shape nearly every part of the modern food store experience, from wide, brightly lit aisles and the tangle of metal carts to long checkout lines and the familiar perimeter filled with fresh produce, baked goods, deli items, and meats.

Today’s food stores have evolved rapidly to meet changing customer expectations. Self-checkout, delivery and pickup options, organic selections, and prepared meals are now standard. But what customers still expect most is consistent, knowledgeable service delivered by employees who understand food safety, operations, and effective management.

That’s where Central Penn College has established itself as an authority in management training, particularly for food retailers and employers seeking employee management training programs that are practical, flexible, and designed for real-world performance, not generic theory.

Through targeted, employer-driven training, Central Penn College helps organizations develop confident managers who are prepared to lead teams, solve problems, and drive results from day one.

Real-World Management Training Built for Grocery Stores

Central Penn College’s GIANT Academy program was recently featured on the Shelf Confidence podcast by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. Guests included Business Professor Jack Babinchak and College Relations Director Dr. Curtis Voelker, who discussed how the program delivers customized management training tailored specifically to The GIANT Company’s workforce.

This six-course, five-week, 18-credit program is designed to reduce onboarding time, boost sales performance, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce employee turnover. It is management training built in partnership with the employer and aligned directly with day-to-day job responsibilities.

Now in its fifth year, Central Penn College has helped build practical, job-ready management skills across The GIANT Company workforce.

“This is not a stagnant course,” Dr. Voelker emphasized. “We meet you where you are.”

Flexible Management Training for a Demanding Industry

Food retail employees often work unpredictable schedules, and effective management training must account for that reality. Central Penn College’s programs are fully online and asynchronous, allowing employees to engage with course material at times that fit their work and life commitments.

Coursework focuses on the skills managers use every day, including Excel, statistics, food safety, inventory management, financial analysis, risk assessment, and workplace psychology. According to Professor Babinchak, the video-based lectures reflect real job scenarios, allowing employees to apply new skills immediately, often the very next shift.

The program also incorporates a mentor system that has proven highly effective in supporting new and emerging managers.

Scalable Employee Management Training Programs for Employers

In addition to GIANT Academy, Central Penn College offers a one-day Essential Leadership Skills seminar for new managers, with an advanced management training option currently in development.

Through its Center for Workforce Excellence, Central Penn College works directly with business owners and leadership teams to design employee management training programs that meet specific organizational needs. Training can be delivered in one-day workshops, multi-week courses, or long-term development programs, all built around real operational challenges.

For employers seeking credible, flexible, and results-driven management training, Central Penn College provides a proven, partner-focused approach grounded in experience and measurable impact.

To learn more about customized management training opportunities, contact Curtis Voelker at curtisvoelker@centralpenn.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Management Training

What is management training?
Management training helps employees build leadership, operational, and problem-solving skills they can apply immediately in the workplace.

Who are employee management training programs designed for?
These programs are ideal for new managers, emerging leaders, and experienced supervisors preparing for greater responsibility.

What makes Central Penn College’s management training different?
Central Penn College offers customized, employer-driven management training built around real job responsibilities, not generic coursework.

Can training be tailored to my organization?
Yes. Through the Center for Workforce Excellence, employee management training programs can be designed to fit your business goals, timeline, and workforce needs.

Is management training offered online?
Many programs are fully online and asynchronous, making it easier for employees to participate around demanding work schedules.