Since 1976, Sparks Eggs has been a cornerstone in Alberta’s egg industry. Processing approximately 70% of the province’s eggs, the company operates out of a 100,000-square-foot facility in Calgary, handling over one million eggs daily. Sourced from over 90 local producers, Sparks Eggs sets the standard for quality with certifications like HACCP, BRC, and Canada Organic.

To maintain its high standards and expand its reputation as a leader in the Canadian food processing industry, Sparks Eggs prioritizes workforce development. At the heart of this effort is their partnership with Intertek Alchemy.

Empowering Employees Through Alchemy

For Kate Rennie, Human Resources Manager of Continuous Improvement, introducing the Alchemy Training System at Sparks Eggs was a game-changer. Initially, the company used Alchemy’s pre-built training courses to cover the wide range of food safety and workplace safety topics needed for their industry. They then started utilizing Alchemy Creator for custom content that really took their training to a new level. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Sparks Eggs further expanded its use of the platform to include Alchemy Coach for real-time, on-the-floor training and compliance documentation.

“Alchemy Coach is like hitting the big red easy button,” says Rennie. “It has digitized our training records, made compliance checks seamless, and enabled us to deliver training in multiple formats — whether through group sessions, one-on-one coaching, or eLearning for new hires.”

Turning Training Directly into Results

The adoption of Alchemy Coach at Sparks Eggs has led to quantifiable results. One of the most notable successes is the dramatic reduction in employee turnover. Before implementing Alchemy Coach, the company faced a turnover rate of 60%. Within a year, they reduced this figure to just 12%.

“Consistency in training was a big factor in this change,” explains Rennie. “By equipping our leaders with the right tools and showing them the value of a structured training program, we saw immediate buy-in and results.”

Enhancing Compliance with Control Monitoring

Sparks Eggs uses Alchemy Coach to conduct and document Gemba Walks — real-time management inspections rooted in the Japanese concept of “being in the action.” This practice supports consistent compliance with operational standards across their facilities in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario while seamlessly integrating continuous control monitoring into their processes. 

By combining internal auditing, compliance checklists, and real-time control monitoring, Sparks Eggs has created a robust framework for ensuring operational excellence. This approach allows them to proactively identify and address compliance gaps, making audits and internal reviews more efficient and effective.

“Alchemy ensures that every inspection and training session is done the same way, no matter who is conducting it,” says Rennie. “The reporting features make it easy to track and confirm compliance, even for audits that happen months later.”

A Culture of Growth and Recognition

Sparks Eggs believes in fostering a workplace where employees feel empowered and engaged. Their use of Alchemy’s customizable training content has allowed them to integrate site-specific procedures into lessons, making training more relevant, and relatable for employees.

For instance, they customized Alchemy’s active shooter preparedness course to include their emergency response plans, ensuring the material directly addressed their facility’s needs.

“Having access to a vast library of pre-built courses saves us an incredible amount of time,” Rennie notes. “It allows us to focus on making small, meaningful tweaks that resonate with our team.”

Sparks Eggs’ commitment to workforce development is also reflected in their innovative use of technology. From interactive clickers that engage employees during group training sessions to digitized checklists that streamline compliance documentation, the company exemplifies how modern tools can transform employee training and engagement.

The ROI of Better Training

Investing in a training platform like the Alchemy Training System isn’t just about compliance — it’s about achieving long-term operational success. According to Rennie, the return on investment has been evident across multiple dimensions: time saved in course creation, higher employee engagement, and improvements in compliance readiness.

“Auditors are always impressed when we show them our training records,” Rennie says. “It’s not just about meeting the standards — it’s about exceeding them and making life easier for everyone involved.”

Looking Ahead

With a team of over 100 employees, Sparks Eggs is poised for continued growth in Alberta and beyond. Their partnership with Intertek Alchemy reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence, not just in food quality but also in cultivating a skilled and engaged workforce.

“Working with Alchemy feels like a true partnership,” Rennie concludes. “Their support and tools have been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.”

As Sparks Eggs continues to innovate and lead in the egg processing industry, their story serves as an inspiring example of how the right tools and a commitment to people can drive both operational success and employee satisfaction. If you want to see the same remarkable results as Sparks Eggs, connect with Intertek Alchemy today and start transforming your workforce training.