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Training on offer for those wanting to progress in pig industry
Thursday, 29 August 2024
One of the key areas in which we continue to invest the pork levy is training. Not only does it improve an individual’s knowledge and skillset but it also helps enhance the sector’s overall reputation. Tony Bayles, AHDB’s Engagement and Training Manager, explains what's on offer and how you can get involved.
After what seems to have been quite a short summer, it’s that time of year when attention turns to our Stockperson Development Scheme.
It’s a series of three-hour workshops that are now delivered online and packed with useful information for those new to working with pigs as well as those who need a refresher in certain areas.
There’s a wide range of topics, and we kick things off on 1 October with gilt and sow management.
I’ll touch on other themes in a moment, but first I wanted to explain the reason for ending the face-to-face sessions.
After taking on board feedback from previous participants, it was clear there was an issue for some businesses finding enough resource to free up members of staff to go on training courses. Three hours may not seem much to backfill, but when travel time is factored in, attendance can take up the best part of a day.
For businesses with multiple employees taking part in the training, the impact clearly becomes much greater. We had already shifted many sessions online but have now gone that step further to trial solely online workshops.
So, on to the other topics covered by the Stockperson Development Scheme:
- AI, service and breeding
- Farrowing management
- Weaner management
- Safe use of veterinary medicines
- Finisher management
Find out more about the Stockperson Development Scheme
We are also running our Stockperson Plus course this year, which starts in November.
This is a programme of problem-solving workshops designed to build on existing pig husbandry knowledge.
The training covers some of the same topics as the Stockperson Development Scheme and more. Areas such as farrowing and weaning also have split sessions where we specifically look at indoor and outdoor management.
Find out more about Stockperson Plus
This takes us on to AgriGrow, which we are delivering in conjunction with Cedar Associates in October and November.
The Level 3 course has been designed to help those looking to develop leadership abilities and move into management roles. It’s about understanding the communication process in the workplace and is aimed at anyone wanting to improve such skills on the farm or those wishing to simply upskill.
Finally, there is a wealth of information and tutorials on our website that can be accessed any time. They include our moving and handling training module, which was revamped earlier in the year to help explain the different processes involved when working indoors versus outdoors.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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