UK: Certificates of Competence re-launched
The Certificate of Competence in pig husbandry skills has been overhauled to make it even more practical and relevant to everyday production.
The changes affect both the assessment criteria and the learner manuals provided by BPEX, though those with the original manuals can keep using them.
The revisions include:
- The mandatory units: pig stockmanship and welfare and the safe use of veterinary medicines have now been included in the pig husbandry skills learning manual folder. Before they were separate folders.
- The online written test has been removed to ensure the assessment and qualifications are practical throughout. Questions have been added which can be tailored to the candidate’s unit or system.
- Individual units are available to take as Level 2 awards
New material covering outdoor production systems has also been added to the learner manuals. These are set out with training information as well as progress check questions to test the learner’s knowledge.
There is also a practical skills checklist to ensure the individual is ready for assessment. Further reading references have been included directing the reader to additional information.
BPEX Skills Development Co-ordinator Sam Bowsher said: “The Certificates of Competence are practical and relevant qualifications, covering stockmanship, welfare, pig husbandry skills and pig unit supervision.”
“Those who decide to take part are assessed on farm and the assessment criteria are based on the demonstration of knowledge and practical skills.”
If producers have copies of the original 2006 learner manuals, these can still be used in the meantime. The updated editions share the same content with some additions to cover a wider range of topics.
Sam said: “Attending a BPEX training course such as the Stockman Development Scheme is also a good way to prepare for assessment. The scheme is classroom-based, with sessions covering all areas of pig production.”
For more information on the Certificates of Competence and other BPEX training visit, click here.
To access the Certificate of Competence booking form, click here.
Join 18,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the pigsector, three times a week.
