ASA has been working towards developing an education and training program for people engaged
in the seed industry. The initial focus has been on people engaged in seed cleaning/processing, and
with the help of an industry Advisory Group, we now have a nationally recognised qualification of
Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing. However, as yet, there are no training or course
materials developed to deliver those courses at the work site.
ASA applied for funds from the New South Wales Department of Education and Training to
commission a consultant/training organisation to develop the course material for the 8 units of
competency which are unique to this qualification. We have been advised that we have been
successful in that application, but there are still a few hoops to jump through before we have the
money and someone writing the material.
Because it is NSW government money, the course has to first be piloted in NSW, and we have
found two seed processors who are prepared to participate in the pilot for their staff. However once
that pilot has been successful, the training material will be available to be delivered throughout
Australia.
ASA is very new to this process, so we are finding it difficult to navigate through the very complex
waters of vocational training, and it is taking time. We really can’t say at this stage just when we
will be able to deliver the pilot training, but we certainly hope it is later this year.
We have started the process of developing vocational training qualifications for two other areas of
expertise in the seed industry – growers and agronomists and inspectors are the second group, and
seed analysts in seed testing laboratories are the third. Given the process involved, these are still
some time away from final delivery.
Industry Consultation period on qualifications for seed producers and seed analysts still open
The draft qualifications for seed producers and seed analysts are still available for review and
comment on the AgriFood Skills Australia website at
agrifoodskills.net.au/trainingpackages/AHC/seed-production/ .
The feedback period closes at 5.00pm Friday 16 March 2012.
Lindsay Cook
CEO, Australian Seeds Authority Ltd
