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New Qualifications for the Pig Industry
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NPTC, together with the support of AgSkills, National Pig Association (NPA) and the British Pig Executive (BPEX), has completed development of a new framework of qualifications for those working in the pig industry. The framework is made up of three qualifications, which have ben accredited by QCA:
* Level 2 Certificate of Competance in Basic Stockmanship and Welfare (Pigs)
* Level 2 Certificate of Competance in Pig Husbandry Skills
* Level 3 Certificate of Competance in Pig Unit Supervision and Operation
This suite of qualifications has replaced the NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competance in Pig Husbandry, and as of 01 December, NPTC will no longer accept registrations for this qualification.
The request form the NPS, BPEX and AgSkills was for a suite of "bite-sized" qualifications that allowed progression through the levels for those stockpersons who were unable to devote the time to compiling the portfolio of evidence that the Level 2 SVQ in Livestock Husbandry demanded, or who were unable to cover the wide range of tasks in the SVQ due to the specialist focus of their area of work.
The Level 2 Basic Stockmanship and Welfare has been amended to provide a specific pathway for pigs. It covers basic stockperson duties, with an emphasis on welfare, including the Five Freedoms. Assessment is through Multiple Choice Question papers and observation of practical performance.
The Level 2 Pig Husbandry Skills covers all areas of husbandry for both indoor and outdoor rearing systems, and includes the care of boars, gilts and sows, mating management, weaner, grower and finisher care as well as two units on general pig unit maintenance and tasks. Candidates must achieve a minimum of three out of eight units to be awarded the qualification. Two endorsements are available according to the choice of units:
* Breeding Herd Operations
* Weaner, Grower and Finishing Operations
Assessment is through Multiple Choice Question papers and observation of practical performance. The Level 2 Certificate of Competance in the Safe Use of Veterinary Medicaine is a pre-requisite to certification of this qualification.
The Level 3 Pig Unit Supervision and Operation covers areas of advanced husbandry, such as semen processing and feed milling and mixing. It also covers areas of supervision, such as staff management and record keeping. Candidates must achieve a minimum of four units out of nine, including Unit One (Supervising Pig Welfare) which is compulsory. Assessment is through Short Answer Question papers and Assignments. The Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Planning and Supervising the Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines is a pre-requisite to certification of this qualification.
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