You’re starting a new job in food manufacturing. How do you get up to speed with the latest technology?

1 Research the company

Before you start your new job, do some research on the company and its products. Find out what kind of technology they use, what their goals and challenges are, and what their expectations are for your role. This will help you understand the context and purpose of the technology you’ll be working with, and prepare you for any questions or tasks that might come up during your orientation or training. You can also look for online reviews, testimonials, or case studies from other food manufacturers that use similar technology, and learn from their experiences and best practices.

2 Ask questions and seek feedback

One of the best ways to get up to speed with the latest technology is to ask questions and seek feedback from your colleagues, supervisors, and trainers. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know, and show your curiosity and willingness to learn. Ask for clarification, examples, or demonstrations of how the technology works, why it’s important, and how it can benefit your work. Seek feedback on your performance, and use it to improve your skills and confidence. Remember, everyone was a beginner once, and most people are happy to share their knowledge and insights with you.

3 Learn by doing

Another effective way to get up to speed with the latest technology is to learn by doing. Take advantage of any opportunities to practice, experiment, or test the technology you’ll be using in your new job. Whether it’s a simulation, a trial run, or a real project, try to use the technology as much as possible, and learn from your mistakes and successes. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues or supervisors, and use it to refine your techniques and methods. The more you use the technology, the more comfortable and proficient you’ll become.

4 Keep up with trends and updates

Technology is constantly evolving, and so should you. To get up to speed with the latest technology, you need to keep up with the trends and updates that affect your industry and your role. You can do this by reading industry publications, blogs, newsletters, or podcasts, attending webinars, workshops, or conferences, joining online forums, groups, or networks, or following influencers, experts, or thought leaders on social media. By staying informed and engaged, you can discover new ideas, solutions, or opportunities that can enhance your work and your career.

5 Embrace change and challenge yourself

Finally, to get up to speed with the latest technology, you need to embrace change and challenge yourself. Technology can be intimidating, frustrating, or overwhelming at times, but it can also be exciting, rewarding, and empowering. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from learning and growing. Instead, see technology as an opportunity to improve your skills, expand your knowledge, and increase your value. Challenge yourself to try new things, take risks, and overcome obstacles. By doing so, you’ll not only get up to speed with the latest technology, but also with your own potential.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?