Formation of professional competence of the specialists in the sphere of food production and processing industries under conditions of distance learning

The article is devoted to the study of the role of the professional competence which is to be mastered by the specialists of food production and processing industries under modern socio-economic conditions as well as to identify promising ways to increase the efficiency of the process of competence development by means of distance learning. The relevance of the study related to professional competence of the specialists in the sphere of food production and processing industries is explained by the fact that the production of quality food that does not pose a threat to human health and life (to health and life of future generations either) and does not cause negative consequences for the environment depends more on responsible and professional actions of personnel in the process of technological production. Some approaches to the definition of professional competence have been analysed. The key components of the professional competence of the specialists in the sphere of food production and processing industries have been identified. The phenomenon of social responsibility as a specific professional competence of the specialists in the sphere of food production and processing industries is highlighted. The characteristics of the competence-based approach to the training of the future specialists in the sphere of food production and processing industries are given. The principles facilitating the development of innovative professional competence of a specialist in the sphere of food production and processing industries in a modern educational institution have been investigated. The phenomenon of distance learning and its main advantages in the educational process have been described. The positive influence of distance learning tools on the formation of professional competence which is to be mastered by specialists in chemical and processing industries has been proved. Some recommendations for improving the efficiency of the process aimed at developing the competence under study in terms of distance learning have been given.