Forty five pork industry representatives have been recognised for their participation in the Pig Industry Skills Passport Pilot Project.

The project began last year with the aim to increase training and skills recognition within the pork industry, using co-funding from the Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC) and the WA Agricultural Produce Commission (Pork Committee).

It is run by Pork Industry Training WA in collaboration with CY O’Connor TAFE and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

On Friday (4 November) evening, 21 pork industry representatives received their certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) while a further 24 were presented with their certificate IV.

Department of Agriculture and Food Director Livestock Innovation Bruce Mullan was involved in leading the project in its initial phase.

"In order to meet the pig industry’s updated Code of Practice for animal welfare, the industry has a defined set of competencies for stockmen and women responsible for meeting the day-to-day needs of pigs," Dr Mullan said.

"In many cases, people had this experience but it needed formal recognition and this programme has gone a long way to helping the WA industry accomplish this."

Dr Mullan said the programme has attracted strong industry sponsorship and support.

"This is testament not only to the strength of this training programme but also to the commitment by industry to continuously aim for better animal husbandry outcomes," he said.

RBDC chairman Rob Sands said this significant achievement was the result of industry stakeholders working together.

"The RBDC is proud of the achievements of the Pork Industry Skills Passport Pilot Project team and commends the industry leaders for their strong support of the project," he said.

"We believe that the Skills Passport and linked training programmes represent an alternative pathway for skills development and quality control compliance for many areas of the agriculture and food sector."