0
Pork Industry Training WA (PITWA) last week introduced 20 WA pork producers and piggery workers to the Pork Industry Skills Passport, which details and endorses a person’s workplace skills and competencies and provides an employer with verification. Conducted in association with C Y O’Connor TAFE and the State Government’s
Rural Business Development Corporation, the 12 month training scheme began last July.
According to PITWA Training Officer, Frances Gartrell, all pork producers should be aware of the new staff competency requirements, effective from March 2011, in the Model Code of Practice being regulated in each state.
“This means producers should start preparing now to ensure they and their staff will meet those competency requirements,” Ms Gartrell said.
The Code requires that pigs must be cared for by personnel skilled in pig husbandry and competent to maintain the health and welfare of the animals in accordance with the Standards listed in the Code, or are under the direct supervision of such personnel.
The pork industry Stockperson Skill Set covers the minimum skills required by a stockperson ‘responsible for the day-to-day needs of pigs’ or of a person ‘under the direct supervision of such personnel.’
The Stockperson Skill Set, as defined by industry, registered training organisations and Australian Pork Limited, comprises these units of competence:
• Comply with industry animal welfare requirements.Ms Gartrell reminded seminar participants that by March 2011 anyone responsible for the care of pigs must be able to demonstrate their competency or must be supervised by a person who can demonstrate their competency as a person skilled in pig husbandry and competent to maintain the health and welfare of pigs in accordance with the Code.
• Move and handle pigs.
• Care for health and welfare of pigs.
• Implement animal health control programs.
• Administer medication to animals.
• Contribute to OHS processes.
• Observe enterprise quality assurance procedures.
“Although most pork producers and stockpeople are already capable of caring for their pigs, certification of this competency is an important way of proving that animal welfare standards are being met on farm,” she said.
In November 2009, the Australian Government announced a $25 million initiative to increase the skill base of existing workers. The Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program, which starts this year, is managed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations through Industry Skills Councils (ISCs). Funding of up to 90 per cent of the cost of training is available to participating businesses.
Ms Gartrell described this as an excellent opportunity for pork producers to have their existing staff trained with little financial burden to their businesses.
Training costs of up to 90 per cent are paid by the Australian Government for Certificate III to Advanced Diploma courses, with training starting in 2010 and covering training at the workplace and recognition of prior learning.
She invited interested WA pork producers and employers to contact her at PITWA for further information and direction on how to apply for funding, Tel 9479 7311 or Email training@wappa.com.au
“The WA pork industry, particularly the production sector, is a very open industry that not only encourages and welcomes people with a variety of skills and experience, but also offers gateways to careers via training and skills development,” Ms Gartrell said.
Participants in the February 5 Pork Industry Skills Passport introduction seminar at Belmont were: Dexter Tapiru, Dennis Sevilla, Jayson Bayay, Joel Dela Cruz, Ludi Vicedo, Froilan Santiago, Aden Dimarucut, Sonny Rainer, Diodennis Velasco, Marisa Santos Dizon, Gerry Lu, Jamesjacob Marcojos and Oscar Tamondong, all of Westpork; Jane Booth of Cadoux; Graeme Dent, Alan Meiners and Benjamin Hill of Dent’s Farm, Cuballing; Ruby Brown, Steve Martin, Brendan Van Beek, all of Craig Mostyn Group.
Attending the February 2010 Pork Industry Training WA (PITWA) stockperson skills workshop were 20 staff and management from WA piggeries, including Westpork, Dent’s Farm, Cuballing and Craig Mostyn Group. The workshop was facilitated by PITWA Training Officer, Frances Gartrell (left).
Attending the February 2010 Pork Industry Training WA stockperson skills workshop were (L to R) Joel Dela Cruz and Jayson Bayay, both of Westpork, Frances Gartrell of PITWA, Dennis Sevilla, Gerry Lu and Dexter Tapiru, all of Westpork
