Labouring for more skilled workforce

Feed is often seen as having the greatest impact on the profitability of a pig unit - but surely labour is far more important!

For a unit to remain in the black is it vital to get good staff, train them well, motivate them to deliver and retain them.

That is the aim of the strategy From Sustainability to Sustained Ability, developed by the British Pig Executive and a key element - the Pig Industry Professional Register (PIPR) has just been launched in London by Lord Rooker.

Pig Industry Training Strategy Implementation group Chairman Richard Longthorp said: "It is vital to get good people into the industry, train them and keep them.

"The modern pig industry is high-tech and forward looking. If somebody started at 18 and was well trained, by 25 they could be managing a 500 sow farrow to finish unit with a turnover of close to a million and a salary to match. Few other industries could provide that level of responsibility and opportunity."

The Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker said at today's launch "I give my full support to 'PIPR'. It is trail-blazing in many ways".

"Our pig industry is highly professional - that means consumers can buy and eat with confidence".

PIPR has been established to recognise professionalism in the pig industry and encourage lifelong learning by its membership.

PIPR aims to:

promote an improved, professional, image of the pig industry to the general public

recognise not only formal skills and training, but also the importance of experience, practical development and other learning opportunities

establish an independent record of skill among its members making it easier for staff to progress in their chosen career

promote a clearer image of personal development for new members to the industry

develop well deserved respect for the progressive members of the pig industry among peers, allied industries and the public.

raise productivity and profitability.

Richard said: "The strategy will put Continuous Professional Development (CPD) at the centre of all pig production businesses.

"Implementing this strategy has led to development of training materials (Certificates of Competence), specifically for the pig industry by the pig industry and funded by industry.

"They suit the needs of the industry, providing relevant materials that can be studied in bite size pieces, at a pace to suit the individual."

Three stages are available, encouraging all levels of stockmen to take up the qualification and gradually progress, towards supervisory skills.

In addition to meeting, and now supplying, the needs of the pig industry, these qualifications also meet government policy for:

* improving skills of young people

* supporting adults to train

* supporting employers to train

* reviewing current qualifications