Supporting skilled farmers
Committed to the continued growth of the industry and to our farmers, the EPF supports industry training and development opportunities in cooperation with the Primary Industry Training Organisation (PrimaryITO).
PrimaryITO has developed the following unit standards and qualifications for egg farmers:
For new entrants in the poultry industry or those who have some work experience, this qualification is suited to those who wish to build on their existing knowledge or skills. This qualification is gained in the workplace and covers poultry welfare, site biosecurity procedures, poultry anatomy and body systems, prevention of diseases, cleaning and sanitation, and health and safety. Electives offer skills which are specific to individual poultry operations.
This is an entry-level Certificate and is intended for existing employees and for new entrants to the poultry industry. The course takes 1 year of practical on-the-job training. You are not required to attend any classroom-based training.
For those who have experience in the poultry industry and wish to progress to a supervisory role.
Aimed at the more experienced poultry worker, this qualification provides learning in the areas of poultry husbandry, pest control, health, occupational health and safety practices, and general poultry management. Electives offer skills which are specific to individual poultry operations.
This Certificate requires 15 months of part-time study and on-the-job training, as well as a one-week block course held in Palmerston North by the Monogastric Research Centre, Massey University.
For those with experience in the poultry industry who wish to progress towards a supervisory or managerial position. Holders of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to manage a poultry facility in a supervisory capacity and manage the health and safety of the staff in the workplace. Electives offer skills which are specific to individual poultry operations. The qualification includes a range of generic and poultry industry-related unit standards, in addition to specialist poultry hatchery unit standards.
The course requires 1 year of part time study and on-job training, as well as a block course held in Palmerston North by the Monogastric Research Centre, Massey University.
For further information on these courses, please contact Marcus Weight, Agriculture Advisor for Poultry, on 04-381 7838 (office), 027 704 8538 (mobile), or at Marcus.weight@primaryito.ac.nz
Another training option is taking a Distance Learning Course such as the Poultry Management Course provided by Courses Direct. This course includes eight topics: terminology; breeds; health care; nutrition; diseases in poultry; housing and shelter; layers; broilers; incubation; brooding; record keeping; economics and marketing.
