Real Opportunities for Skilled Workers in Pig Production
Issued 3rdJuly 2001
The shortage of trained staff is becoming an area of concern for the pig production sector.
This was stated by Michael Griffith, co-ordinator of the Teagasc pig training programme at Mellows College, Athenry.
"The combination of a reduction in the number of commercial pig units and the adoption of computerised technology has resulted in a fall in overall numbers employed in pig production. However, because of the increased sophistication and scale of pig units, there are still real opportunities for well-trained workers", he said.
He said graduates of the Teagasc training course at Mellows College over the past 30 years are playing a key role in the management of Ireland's 550 highly specialised commercial pig units.
"Because the average size of pig units is higher in Ireland than in other EU states, the need for non-family skilled labour is greater. However, due to increased employment opportunities in industry, the demand for places on the Teagasc pig training programme has dropped significantly in recent years", said Michael Griffith.
The Certificate in Pig Production training programme at Mellows College, involves two years supervised placement on accredited pig units and three months course work. Participants are paid the agricultural wage while on placement and benefit from a training allowance during the period they spend on course work.
Michael Griffith said a background in pig production is not necessary for entry to the course. In fact, some of the most successful managers at present have come from a non-farming background.
"People who complete the Certificate in Pig Production course can look forward to good career prospects, with the majority working in key management positions within a few years of graduation", he said.
Application forms for the next course which gets underway in Mellows College in September can be obtained from :
The Principal,
Mellows College,
Athenry,
Co Galway;
Tel: 091 - 845200;
Email: gshortle@athenry.teagasc.ie
The closing date for applications is Friday, August 3rd, 2001.
