Pork Industry Training (WA)’s training activities are divided into three key areas, short courses (usually one day duration), the Stockperson Training Course (Cert III), and the Supervisors Training Course (Cert IV).

Short Courses

Short courses have been put on hold for the past 12 months to concentrate on the development of the Supervisors Training Course (Cert IV). Details of future short courses will be posted when available.

Stockperson Training Course (Cert III Pig Production)

The Stockperson Training Course is the industry-recommended off-the-job training component of a Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) from TAFEWA CY O’Connor. Pork Industry Training (WA) and TAFEWA CY O’Connor have formed a partnership to enable the pork industry to deliver high quality training and have producers accredited with a nationally recognised qualification.

The course consists of six two-day modules which usually take place between March and September, with a break in June for those with seeding commitments. It covers the A to Z of pork production including mating, farrowing, weaner/grower management, handling, welfare, quality assurance, environment, nutrition, health, meat quality, record management, OHS and communication.

Participants are enrolled with TAFEWA CY O’Connor and government funding is available through the New Apprenticeship scheme. Training is delivered at Muresk Institute and the WA Pig skills Centre in Northam, and the Department of Agriculture in South Perth.

Contact the Training Officer to discuss cost, funding opportunities and enrolment.

The 2006 Stockperson Training Course will begin later than usual to allow the Training Officer to concentrate on development of the Supervisors Training Course.

Supervisors Training Course (Cert IV Pig Production)

Supervisors Training Course (Cert IV Pig Production)

Following producer feedback from a number of sources, including the Management Training Survey, Pork Industry Training (WA) has begun developing an off-the-job training program to align with a Certificate IV in Agriculture specialising in Pig Production.

In consultation with the training committee, nine subject areas have been selected for inclusion in the course: environment, occupational heath and safety, quality assurance, animal welfare, staff management, asset maintenance, budgeting and cost control, recording systems and data analysis, and making capital improvements.

The course structure is currently being determined however it’s likely that it will consist of ten modules delivered over two years.

The Supervisors Training Course is intended for piggery staff who have greater responsibility and input into decision making than the general stockperson. Participants would be involved in staff supervision and have responsibility for aspects of production other than pig husbandry.

Assessment tasks will be set for each subject area allowing participants to achieve their Certificate IV.

Pork Industry Training (WA) requires eight participants for the course to run but will restrict the class size to twelve. A portion of these places have already been taken so if you’re interested in participating please contact the Training Officer as soon as possible.