The feedlot industry plays a significant role in assisting Australia to maintain its status as the largest beef exporter in the world. Qualifications are used as a benchmark to provide the industry with additional confidence in its employment and production systems.
TAFE NSW – New England Institute has been at the forefront of developing a suite of courses to support the feedlot industry. Head teacher at Armidale Rural Skills Centre, Phil Pamment said the courses began when Armidale Campus was approached several years ago to provide on-site training for pen riders at a regional feedlot.
Liaison with the Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) has seen the program expand to include industry-wide training for pen riders as well as feed millers and maintenance personnel. Mr Pamment and his team at Armidale have strengthened industry linkages and built durable relationships by working in consultation with the Beef Quality Co-operative Research Centre, Meat & Livestock Australia and ALFA.
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Kenn Slade graduated in Certificate III Agriculture (Beef Production) and also won the 2007 Pfizer Medal, awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in feedlot operation skills. Currently employed at Ravensworth Feedlot in Hay, Mr Slade said he found the material to be very well structured and the content excellent.
‘It was all relevant to what we do on a day-to-day basis, and the instructors were very practical in their approach,’ he said.
‘An outstanding feature of the training programs is flexibility. All three courses are tailored to individual management plans and needs. Flexibility is extended to timing of the training and assessment. The program aims to fit in with individual feedlot daily activities to minimise interruption to work schedules and minimise staff absences.’
Key focus areas of the nationally accredited courses developed and customised for the feedlot industry include specific production skills, Quality Assurance, Occupational Health and Safety and legal and licensing obligations.
‘What makes these courses work for the feedlot industry is that they offer training and assessment programs that are designed with maximum flexibility,’ said Mr Pamment.
‘They provide training and assessment on-site, they aim to fit in with feedlot schedules wherever possible and recognise and value the existing skills of employees. The feedlot industry has committed funds to develop learning and assessment resources and in addition presents graduates with an ALFA Certificate on successful completion of their course.’
