Implicit Learning: How Most Food & Beverage Staff Learn Their Craft

If you’re in the food and beverage industry, chances are you got started without a lot of formal training. For many of us, our first days on the job were spent trying to keep our heads above water and trying NOT to mess up. Over time though, as we saw the machine in action, we began to figure out where we fit in.

But how does that work? How do we pick up the many little skills required without specifically being told? Implicit learning is the answer.

What is Implicit Learning?

Implicit learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills without being aware that we’re learning. Think about how most children learn to speak: they don’t take language courses or memorize grammar rules but instead pick it up by being immersed in conversation.

How Does Implicit Learning Work?

Instead of relying on traditional methods of memorization, it taps into the brain’s natural ability to recognize patterns and associations over time. By engaging in hands-on experiences and real-world practice, learners gradually build knowledge and skills.

In food and beverage companies, this might look like learning to troubleshoot a piece of equipment after watching a coworker handle it or developing the ability to guide customers through a menu simply by hearing others do it. The learning happens almost without effort—it’s embedded in the day-to-day work.

How to Encourage Implicit Learning:

• Pair New Hires with Experienced Staff: Shadowing more seasoned employees allows new team members to observe and absorb key techniques.
• Encourage Hands-On Practice: Real-world experience solidifies learning faster than formal training.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a culture where asking questions and learning by doing is celebrated.

A New Way to Train Staff

Based on this approach, it makes sense to give staff members as many repetitions with your industry, products, and operations as you can. This is why we built our new training app DraughtLab Learning. We provide implicit learning moments with your staff without you having to be there. Get your Demo today or Join our Newsletter for more training material.

DraughtLab specializes in helping food and beverage companies understand and measure flavor. By building tasting programs and providing the necessary tools and training, DraughtLab empowers businesses to enhance product knowledge and improve sales and customer engagement.