The new Skills Industry Pig Passport Pilot project began last year with the aim of increasing the training and skills recognition of people within the pork industry using co funding from Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC) and the WA Agricultural Produce Commission (Pork Committee).

The program came about due to a change in the code of practice for animal welfare stating that stock people have to be considered competent with the responsibility for meeting the day to day needs of the pigs. This change meant there was a need for people within the industry to be better qualified.

Pork Industry Training along with CY O’Connor TAFE and with support from the Department of Agriculture and Food developed the recognition of prior learning project. The program has been huge in lifting the standards of workers throughout the industry as well as covering animal welfare issues. Completed on individual farms the project allowed producers and their staff to participate without interruption to the running of the business.

Surrounded by family members, at a special function at Joondalup, certificates and passports were presented to the very enthusiastic and passionate participants. Aged from 21 to mid 70’s, this now brings a total of 70 people in the pig industry who have qualified in this project.