longerenong college | agriculture | conservation | land management

Certificate II in Agriculture (Pig Production) RTE20103 and
Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) RTE30903

About the course

This training program [the combined Certificates II and III in Agriculture (Pig Production)] is designed exclusively for people involved in or intending to enter the pig industry in Victoria. The training program is promoted as PorkTrain and may be undertaken as an apprenticeship or as an open entry course.

PorkTrain is a highly skills focused program delivered on farm or in regional centres depending on sufficient numbers of participants. A series of ‘topic–specific’ workshops are delivered with an appropriate mix of theory and practical training. It is vital that you understand the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’ of fundamental pork production.

On farm training allows for easy access to a valuable practical training area that is relevant to the participants.

At each training session participants complete a number of units that eventually combine to create a formal qualification.

Workshop topics cover not only pig-specific units but also information about occupational health and safety, communication and environmental management.

What are the career outcomes?

PorkTrain is generally delivered to those currently employed in the pig industry. The successful completion of the program will allow for career advancement opportunities either within your current work environment or at other pork production units. The formal and nationally recognized training that the PorkTrain program provides may lead staff into related pig industry sectors such as:

Pig nutrition
Piggery construction
Equipment sales
Veterinary sales

How do I gain a qualification?

The PorkTrain course has been designed to meet the qualifying requirements of the Certificate II and Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) as part of the Rural Production Training Package (RTE03). You must successfully complete a set number of competencies as prescribed by the Australian Qualifications Framework.

What do I study?

You have a range of units of competency to choose from in order to work towards a formal qualification in line with the course rules described below.

Certificate II in Agriculture (Pig Production) - RTE20103

A total of 17 units of competency must be successfully completed to be awarded the Certificate II in Agriculture (Pig Production). The actual units of competency undertaken are made up as follows:

9 units from Group A including the 4 compulsory units
5 additional units from Group A and/or Group B
3 additional units from Group A, Group B and/or Group C below

Competency Code	Unit of Competency
GROUP A	*(Compulsory units shown in italics and marked with )**
RTC2701A	*Follow OHS procedures
RTC2702A	*Observe environmental work practices
RTC2704A	Provide basic first aid
RTC2705A	*Work effectively in the industry
RTC2801A	*Participate in workplace communications
RTE2111A	Identify and mark livestock
RTE2113A	Monitor livestock to parturition
RTE2114A	Monitor water supplies
RTE2123A	Collect semen
RTE2124A	Carry out birthing duties
RTE2127A	Castrate livestock
RTE2129A	Move and handle pigs
RTE2133A	Artificially inseminate pigs
RTE2134A	Assist with feeding in intensive production systems
RTE2136A	Load and unload animals
RTE2143A	Mate pigs and monitor dry sow performance
RTE2144A	Carry out regular livestock observation
RTE2145A	Care for weaner and grower pigs
RTE2146A	Mix and mill standard stock feed
RTE2150A	Maintain intensive production growing environments
RTE2151A	Care for health and welfare of pigs
RTE2214A	Clean out intensive production sheds
RTE2707A	Follow site quarantine procedures
RTE2901A	Observe enterprise quality assurance procedures
RTE2902A	Collect and record production data
GROUP B
BSBCMN107A	Operate a personal computer
RTC2210A	Maintain properties and structures
RTC2301A	Undertake operational maintenance of machinery
RTC2306A	Operate vehicles
RTC2309A	Operate tractors
RTC2706A	Apply chemicals under supervision
RTE2205A	Fabricate and repair metal or plastic structures
GROUP C
This group includes other units of competency from RTD02 Conservation and Land Management, RTE03 Rural Production, RTF03 Amenity Horticulture and/or other endorsed Training Packages. Units selected must be aligned to Certificate I, II or III outcomes. These units must be relevant to work undertaken in the rural sector.

Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) - RTE30903

A total of 16 units of competency must be successfully completed to be awarded the Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production). The actual units of competency undertaken are made up as follows:

7 units from Group A below including the 1 compulsory unit
6 additional units from Group A and/or Group B below
3 additional units from Group A, Group B and/or Group C below

Competency Code	Unit of Competency
GROUP A	*(Compulsory units shown in italics and marked with )**
RTC3805A	Coordinate worksite activities
RTE3113A	Identify and draft livestock
RTE3118A	Implement feeding plans for intensive production
RTE3119A	Euthanase livestock
RTE3121A	Prepare animals for parturition
RTE3123A	Pregnancy test pigs
RTE3124A	Rear newborn and young livestock
RTE3126A	Remove and facilitate reuse of effluent and manure from an intensive production system
RTE3127A	Treat rectal prolapse in pigs
RTE3128A	Collect, store and administer colostrum
RTE3136A	Comply with industry animal welfare requirements
RTE3140A	Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock
RTE3143A	Monitor intensive livestock production environments
RTE3146A	Process and store semen
RTE3402A	Implement animal health control programs
RTE3712A	Administer medication to livestock
RTE3713A	*Carry out workplace OHS procedures
RTE3908A	Maintain and monitor feed stocks
GROUP B
RTC3213A	Implement property improvement, construction and repair
RTC3310A	Operate specialised machinery and equipment
RTC3701A	Respond to emergencies
RTC3704A	Prepare and apply chemicals
RTE2110A	Maintain livestock water supplies
RTE3008A	Handle bulk materials in storage area
RTE3131A	Transport livestock
RTE3406A	Implement vertebrate pest control program
RTE3504A	Collect samples for rural production or horticultural monitoring programs
RTE3714A	Maintain and monitor environmental work practices
RTE3801A	Provide on-job training support
RTE3901A	Comply with industry quality assurance requirements
TDTD2298B	Conduct weighbridge operations
GROUP C
This group includes other units of competency from RTD02 Conservation and Land Management, RTE03 Rural Production, RTF03 Amenity Horticulture and/or other endorsed Training Packages. Units selected must be aligned to Certificate II, III or IV outcomes. These units must be relevant to work undertaken in the rural sector.

How do I study?

The program combines farm work with a series of on-farm workshops involving a combination of theory and practical training. The workshops include a significant amount of group discussion and participants are encouraged to participate in this.

Participants are expected to complete worksheets and exercises which form part of the assessment process for the training delivered and will be required to complete and submit some written tasks outside normal workshop session times.

Gaining admission to the program

The program is open to any person aged 15 years or older who is employed full time in a piggery.

Can I get credit for previous study/experience?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of skills and knowledge obtained through formal training, work experience and/or life experience. If you believe you are able to demonstrate the required level of competence in a unit you can apply for RPL by contacting the Student Administration Officer.

Credit Transfer (CT) is when the same unit of competency is completed within another program or within the same program but with another institution. No fees apply for CT.

When can I start?

The structure of the course allows apprentices and direct course entrants to be enrolled throughout the year. Please contact the Student Administration Officer.

How do I apply?

To arrange to do the PorkTrain program as an apprentice enquire at a New Apprenticeship Centre or contact our Student Administration Officer for more information.

If you want to apply for direct entry to the PorkTrain program, contact our Student Administration Officer or more information.

Applicants with physical and/or intellectual disabilities will be assessed for suitability for the program as part of the selection process.

Fees and charges

Tuition fees for government funded courses are in accordance with the Ministerial Direction on Fees and Charges.

The Student Administration Officer can provide information regarding the course fees.

Need further information?

Contact the Student Administration Officer:
Email: info@longy.com.au
Ph: (03) 5362 2222
Toll Free: 1800 814 294
Fax: (03) 5362 2213

This training is delivered with Victorian Government funding.

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