Mushroom farm employees graduate from supervisor training course.(labor relations)

Employees at local mushroom farms recently graduated from a series of supervisor training classes and received certificates for their participation. Rafael Ramos, Director of the Ombudsman Program for mushroom growers, offered the classes at the AMI office. Supervisors from C.P. Yeatman & Sons and Needham Mushroom Farms, West Grove; Phillips Mushroom Farms, Oakshire Mushroom Farm and Kennett Square Specialties, Kennett Square; Brownstone Mushrooms, Avondale; and Farmers Mill, Oxford, participated in the seminar.

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"Company owners use the Ombudsman Program to prepare their supervisors for daily work tasks and issues that come up as they perform their duties," said Ramos. "The supervisors get training so they learn how to manage people. It is not easy to be in charge and responsible for other workers." Ramos has trained more than 250 supervisors since the start of his program in 1987.

C.P. Yeatman & Sons, Inc. has relied on the Ombudsman Program for more than 20 years. "Many of our supervisors go through Rafael's program. Aspiring employees who want to move from harvesting to supervisor take the classes," said Jerry Yeatman, President. "Since supervisors are vital to the success of our company, they need to learn how to communicate and resolve problems. We are very proud of the employees who attend and participate in this great training program."

Stephen Anania, Director of Operations at Oakshire Mushroom Farm, Inc. believes that supervisor training is key to the company's success. "We have supervisors at every division who have been through the Ombudsman training program and are very pleased with the results. This program provides an opportunity for individuals to receive instruction in an environment they know and trust," he said.

Topics offered during the eight-week course included understanding employees, anger management and conflict resolution, on the job productivity and efficiency. "This program helped me become a better leader for my co-workers," said Lorenzo Villagomez, C. P. Yeatman & Sons, Inc.

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In addition to gaining mastery on the job, many employees learn skills that help them communicate and resolve conflicts with their friends and families. "These sessions help me in my personal life," said Victor Perez, C.P. Yeatman & Sons, Inc.

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After the completion of eight classes, supervisors and potential supervisors are awarded a "Certificate of Honor" for their active participation in the classes. This year the graduation program was held at the Stroud Water Research Center on March 6, 2009. Company owners congratulated Ramos and their employees for taking the course.

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Some training sessions are offered at mushroom farms with the support of company management. For more information on the Ombudsman Program or to sign up for the next training session, contact Rafael Ramos, 484/614-2275.

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