Home

Pork industry training delivers 15 newly qualified graduates

Aidan SmithCountryman
Pork Industry Training chair Dr Bruce Mullen with graduates from the Certificate III 2022-23 course and tutor Dr Kate Savage from Portec Australia who delivered the course (far right).
Camera IconPork Industry Training chair Dr Bruce Mullen with graduates from the Certificate III 2022-23 course and tutor Dr Kate Savage from Portec Australia who delivered the course (far right). Credit: supplied/supplied

The pork industry has received 15 of its newest Certificate III graduates.

Pork Industry Training WA chair Bruce Mullan and Portec Australia veterinarian and trainer Kate Savage presented the graduates with their certificates at the WA Pork Producers Association dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth on August 25.

Dr Mullan said PITWA had been operating for 23 years, co-ordinating and delivering training to the WA pork industry.

“The Certificate III course has helped the WA industry attain a very high proportion of piggery workers who have Certificate III qualifications, allowing businesses to comply with the requirements of the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Pigs,” Dr Mullan said.

“This has helped improve the standards of pig husbandry and hence increase productivity, as well as help retain labour in the industry.”

Dr Mullan said there was continued demand for the training course, with 15 people completing it in 2022-2023.

“Feedback from these students as to the conduct and impact of the course on their knowledge and skills relating to pig husbandry and management was very positive,” he said.

“Importantly the course is delivered by industry experts, something that is quite unique to any course of this kind, but which costs more to deliver.”

The next training course will be co-ordinated and delivered by Portec, a branch of Apiam Animal Health, in collaboration with Central Regional TAFE, and should begin in late 2023 and conclude in mid-2024.

Along with completing their work units, the students also visit the Linley Valley Abattoir to better understand the practical nature of the topics and issues they study.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails