The June 02 edition of the Department of Agriculture’s Pig Tales newsletter included a survey asking producers to express their thoughts on training issues and requirements in WA. A total of 23 producers responded with some very positive comments.

The benefit WA producers see in training was indicated by the fact that nearly three quarters of respondents had participated in some form of industry related training, while 48% of their employees had also undertaken training. Twenty six percent did not employ staff.

Training was thought to be beneficial in that it increases the skill level of staff (91% agreed) and allows them to gain a wider understanding of the industry in which they work (70% agreed). Other benefits are the increase in reliability/responsibility of staff, opportunities for career development, and the interaction with other piggery staff which enables participants to share ideas.

As indicated by 83% of producers, the most significant impediment to training is the time spent away from the farm. Other impediments are the cost and location of courses (39%), and the biosecurity risk associated with contacting pigs off farm for training purposes (30%). Some producers suggested that timing of courses can be a problem especially in a mixed enterprise operation with seasonal demands on the workforce.

Seventy percent of producers thought that participants should receive a nationally recognised certificate on completion of training. Where possible, all training courses will be aligned to the National Agriculture Training Package in a similar way to the Stockperson Training Course (Certificate 3 Pig Production).

The most requested topic for a one day course was weaner/grower/finisher management, with 87% of respondents agreeing. This was followed closely by farrowing and herd health (70%), mating and AI (65%), handling/ProHand and business management (57%), and staff induction (48%).

Forty three percent of producers or their staff had participated in the Stockperson Training Course, while 57% indicated that they would be interested in this course in the future. Fifty seven percent also indicated their willingness to participate in a management type course at the Certificate 4 level.

Fifty two percent of respondents suggested that they would be interested in having their skills recognised through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process which would enable them to gain a certificate/diploma without further training.

There were several general comments made by producers which will be taken on board when developing future training programs. I would like to thank those who took the time to return the survey. Their input is essential in helping Pork Industry Training (WA) meet the industry’s training needs.