Many industries have moved to providing training for their workers through centralized training programs that also have accompanying certification programs. The pork industry has had its own certification program with Pork Quality Assurance, which began in 1989. The recent move to the PQA Plus program provides a handling and welfare component to the old program but also requires both premises review as well as producer certification. This program is an educational program and as such, does not necessarily indicate any behavioral change in the person that passes the course. The certificate really only indicates that the person took the course and was subjected to the good information in the course.
Because there was a general lack in the pork production industry in good hands-on production training courses, producers were usually left with providing their own training on the job for any new employees. Several years ago, Smithfield developed an in-house program for training its employees. More recently, companies like Carthage Vet Service, Pfizer Animal Health, and Swine Vet Service in Minnesota have stepped up and developed rather sophisticated training programs and materials for their customers. They have done this primarily because of the void in being able to find well done courses or materials in the industry.
Except for these few examples, most producers have to somehow find the time to train new employees in-house with a short staff, which is why they hired the new employee in the first place. Therefore, it usually does not get done and this affects employee morale and retention. As pork operations become larger in size, more trained employees will be needed. That is why the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) and the National Pork Board have spent so much time putting together an education, training, and certification program.
The first program in development over the past few years is being beta tested right now. It is the Swine Science Online program and will provide third- or fourth-year university students the opportunity for a minor or certificate in Swine Science. This program is targeted at training production managers, allied industry support people and industry leaders.
The second program is a community college effort and it is being pilot tested with 50 students this fall. It is a hands-on trade school focused on barn workers, but it will also be useful for allied industry representatives. This program will be taught at community colleges but it may also be taught on site with cooperating producers. USPCE received a sizable grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support this effort. This program is planned to be launched in about two years.
The third program involves skilled technician and manager certification. While the easiest way to become certified will certainly be by taking the classes, anyone who thinks they have the knowledge, skills and abilities will be able to take the proctored test and practical to become certified in their area of work. This program is just now being developed, but it will have a lot of bearing on an industry that wants to show the world that “We Care.”
-----------------------
This commentary is for informational purposes only. The opinions and comments expressed herein represent the opinions of the author--they do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Farms.com. This commentary is not intended to provide individual advice to anyone. Farms.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the information, or for any damages or losses in any way related to this commentary.