The Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) and Department of Primary Industries ‘Pigs in Space’ project will develop electronic media (e-learning) to support and train the trainers for workplace training, with the aim of educating workers in the Victorian pig industry.
DPI Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Trish Holyoake said it was a legal requirement for personnel caring for pigs to be suitably qualified, therefore was critical that those in the pig industry had ready access to training materials through different mediums, including e-learning.
“The project grant provides $42,200 to launch the e-learning strategy which will establish the online training module,” Dr Holyoake said.
“The pig industry is undergoing significant growth and it is vital that employers are able to retain a skilled workforce.
“Producers have historically experienced difficulties in recruiting qualified people at all levels within the industry and worker shortages have been a barrier to increasing production.”
Managing Director of Myora Farm, Jeff Braun, said he could see real benefits from the development of the on-line training.
“I was excited to learn of the successful support for e-learning for the delivery of Certificate III in Pork Production,” Mr Braun said.
“I’m fully aware of the exceptional caliber of DPI experts Dr Holyoake and Dr Tony Fahy who are championing this training concept.”
The benefits from the e-learning training include:
•Quality trainers with highly developed skills;
•Students in remote locations can participate in training, plus no restrictions on class size;
•Attendance to class training on e-learning will minimise lost time from the workplace and assist productivity;
•The use of visual training material photos /graphs is a highly effective tool to maintain trainees’ concentration and attention.
Dr Holyoake said the DPI regarded the development of e-learning as a means of supporting engagement with remote and regional communities.
“We have about 150 applications each year for new pig tattoos, most of which are small-scale operators,” she said.
“The development of on-line training courses will support biosecurity efforts within the DPI as well as promote positive welfare outcomes.”
Media contact: Sarah Hetherington, DPI Media Adviser 0409 405 639
For more information please contact Jeanette Swain (GOTAFE) on (03) 5760 4576 or Trish Holyoake (DPI) on (03) 5430 4412.
Source: farmonline.com.au
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