Staff training plays an important role in the continuing development of staff and the overall feedlot business.
Training can also assist in motivating staff by allowing them to learn new skills and assist in staff retention. Training and the documenting of such training is a critical component of any Quality Assurance or Workplace Health and Safety program.
This importance is reflected in the fact that training is Element QM1, the first element, of the first module, of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) Standards. The required outcome for Element QM1 – Training is, "Staff are adequately trained to ensure they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to competently perform the duties required of them by the NFAS Standards."
The feedlot industry provides a diverse range of opportunities for staff. The skill set required for each staff member will vary greatly depending on the activities they are required to undertake at the feedlot.
Depending on the feedlot, staff may have to complete activities across some, or all of these areas, while alternatively they may be able to specialise in a specific area. Some feedlots offer very extensive in house training across a broad number of areas of their company's business. Often this training is targeted at existing employees or recent graduates with an aim to improve their individual skills or range of skills. Other feedlots rely heavily on training provided by either government or private training providers, industry organisations like ALFA or their own experienced staff.
So what types of training are available to feedlot operators and their staff?
FORMAL ACCREDITED TRAINING
Formal accredited training usually refers to Nationally Recognised Training packages, qualifications, units of competency, accredited courses or skill sets. This form of training is competency based and therefore has some form of assessment to ensure the participant meets the required level of knowledge and skills as set out in each unit of competency. After successful completion, the participant is awarded with either a qualification or a statement of attainment for the units of competency completed.
The upcoming Animal Welfare Officer Training delivered by ALFA and MLA is an example of a nationally recognised skill set consisting of two units of competency, specifically tailored to the needs of Animal Welfare Officers. There are numerous Certificate and Diploma courses offered by training providers that are also accredited training. Certificates III and IV in Agriculture or Agribusiness allow students to complete a range of subjects relevant to the feedlot industry.
Chemical accreditation training, forklift, loader, boiler, confined spaces or working at heights are other examples of accredited training skill sets that are nationally recognised and relevant across various industries.
The courses tab on the Feedlot TECH training hub provides links to a wide range of accredited training courses provided by various training providers.
NON-ACCREDITED TRAINING
Workshops, seminars, conferences or training courses that are not aligned with the nationally recognised competencies are all forms of non-accredited training. These training activities may or may not involve the assessment of knowledge or skills.
There are several training activities that ALFA and MLA conduct for the feedlot industry that fall into this category, including Nutrition and Milling courses, Margin and People Management, SmartBeef and BeefEx. Courses on the ALFA/ MLA Feedlot TECH on-line training, education and careers platform also fall into this category.
The Feedlot TECH Feedlot Training Hub training and professional development courses are available to help increase knowledge and leadership skills at your feedlot to the next level. These courses are available online through Feedlot TECH or through links to external training providers, with newly developed feedlot specific training courses continuing to be developed by industry and included on the platform.
INFORMAL TRAINING
While there are many training activities that can be undertaken away from the feedlot or in more structured formats, the importance of on the job training at the feedlot should not be overlooked.
The training and mentoring of staff by more experienced staff members or the process of reviewing and updating procedures and plans with staff is an excellent way to bring new staff members up to speed and to reinforce correct procedures to existing staff. These types of activities or even leaving time during staff meetings for quick training activities, can greatly improve the knowledge and skills of staff in a low cost, but effective manner.
Training should not be seen as an onerous burden on your business, rather as an investment in the future production and performance of your staff and business. It also shows your commitment to the employee and that you are willing to invest in their future.