Stockperson Training – what do you need to do to be compliant?

APL, in consultation with producers, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and other key stakeholders has developed a process for Recognition of Prior Learning and Competency certification for stockpeople in the pork industry.

The competence of stockpeople is one of the main requirements of the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs [3rd edition, 2007] (Model Code). Standards in the Model Code have formed the basis of the new and incoming state regulations for pig welfare which effectively make the standards in the Model Code law.  Under Model Code standards (and associated state regulations) from March 2011 onwards, piggery stockpeople will be required to be able to prove that they are competent to perform their role of caring for pigs. The Model Code is available at www.publish.csiro.au/nid/22/pid/5698.htm.  (Note: People in Queensland have until 10 June 2012).

While most pig producers and their staff are competent in their role, many do not have formal qualifications.  For this reason, obtaining Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and providing access to further training for as many producers and piggery stockpeople as possible, is an industry priority.  While assisting with this, APL also hopes to raise the profile of the pork industry as a career choice and increase job satisfaction for people already working in the industry.

In consultation with stakeholders and government regulators, we have determined that a stockperson can be considered “suitably qualified” in accordance with regulations if they meet one or more of the following criteria.

The criteria includes:

A. Is a veterinarian

B. Holds a Certificate 3 in Agriculture (Pork Production) or equivalent

C. Has completed the stockperson skill set or has been assessed by an RTO to have completed units of competence (either through training or recognition of prior learning) in at least the following areas:

• Move and handle pigs;
• Care for the health and welfare of pigs;
• Comply with industry animal welfare requirements; and 
• Administer medication to livestock.

APL also recommends that stockpeople undertake the Euthanasia module, but this is not compulsory.

D. Has 12 months experience caring for pigs in a commercial establishment* and must have had on the job training and experience in at least the following areas:

• Moving and handling pigs; 
• Inspecting and assessing the health and well being of pigs; 
• Carrying out vaccinations, health treatments and elective husbandry procedures; 
• Humane destruction of pigs suffering an incurable disease, untreatable injury or painful deformity; and 
• Maintaining records of inspections and assessments of pigs.

This can be proven through either recognition of prior learning or through appropriate farm records, such as Quality Assurance records, which show that the stockperson has carried out these tasks.

Regulations in Queensland differ slightly from other states, where a grandfathering clause means requirements vary depending on your industry experience. From June 2011, people who have a number of years experience caring for pigs can apply to DEEDI (Biosecurity QLD) for accreditation of their competency. These people need to fill out an application form and submit it to DEEDI with appropriate documentation. Queenslanders new to the pig industry need to complete formal training (either the Stockperson Skill set or Certificate 111 in Agriculture Pig Production or equivalent) through a registered training organisation. People in Queensland have until 10th June 2012 to meet these requirements.  Contact DEEDI (13 25 23) for more information and/or a copy of the application form.

For more details on this issue you can contact APL Policy Issues Manager on 02 6285 2200.

To enrol in a pork industry qualification or be assessed, click here for a list of your local training facilitators.

For a list of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), click here.