Introduction
Industry Training Introduction
ASA Pursues Seed Industry Training and Education Opportunities
ASA is driving the development of training and education opportunities for the Australian seed industry, using funds entrusted to ASA following the winding-up of the former Gatton-based Australian Seed Technology Education Centre (ASTEC). These funds are being used entirely for industry training and education.
The first step in this process involved conducting a survey of the industry to determine its training and education requirements. Industry signalled that it wanted nationally recognised and accredited training geared specifically to the industry and training courses which could be delivered in the local area, over short timeframes and at low cost to employers.
The ASA Board decided to assist the development of industry specific qualifications in conjunction with AgriFood Skills Australia, the industry skills body which is responsible for developing training packages for rural industries.
Qualifications developed under the national training program are eligible for support funding from the Commonwealth and state governments during the development phase and subsequent delivery.
Industry identified three priorities for training, namely:
- Seed processing operators
- Seed producers, seed agronomists and field inspectors
- Seed analysts
In June 2009, ASA convened the Seed Industry Training Advisory Group (SITAG) to work with AgriFood Skills Australia to identify and/or develop a set of Units of Competence for seed processing. SITAG members were selected because of their knowledge, experience and skills in this sector of the industry and their willingness to contribute their time and expertise to this task.
After a lot of work by SITAG and AgriFood Skills Australia, and a long wait while the proposed qualification was negotiated through the national accreditation process, a qualification known as the Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing has been included in the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package. More information on the training package is available at: http://www.agrifoodskills.net.au/training-packages/AHC/
Once this has been endorsed by the State based vocational training systems, Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) will be able to develop courses and start to deliver them in the workplace, at minimal cost to employers. The benefits to the seed industry will be that employers will be able to find workers who have recognised training in seed processing and will be able to “hit the ground running” for a new employer. Those already working in the industry will have the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification which can be used when/if they seek employment elsewhere in the industry.
In August 2011, ASA convened two new advisory groups – SITAG2 to work on the development of a qualification for seed producers, field inspectors and seed agronomists and SITAG3 to work on a qualification for seed analysts. As before, members of both groups were selected because of their knowledge, experience and skills in these sectors of the industry and their willingness to contribute their time and expertise to this task.
First drafts of the new qualifications are now available for public review and comment and can be found on the AgriFood Skills Australia website at http://agrifoodskills.net.au/training-packages/AHC/seed-production/
Industry feedback is vital to ensure the new qualifications meet industry’s needs. The feedback period closes at 5.00pm Friday 16 March 2012, and all responses, comments and enquiries should be directed to the project consultant, whose contact details are available on the website.
Industry Support
Seed training package gets the nod from industry
At the ASF annual conference 'Seed Business 2009' the Australian seeds industry endorsed the work of SITAG and the draft 'Certificate III in Seed Processing', and asked ASA to submit the training package for national approval.
As the convenor of SITAG I was asked to give a Seed Industry Training presentation to conference, and I answered questions about the initiative and the likely future work of the group.
The following day a motion was proposed and endorsed:
That the Australian Seed Federation:
(a) Supports the implementation of a Nationally Accredited Qualification System to deliver recognised industry skills required by the seed industry into the future, to promote national efficiencies for the future development of training programmes, and access to funding through national state level training programmes;
(b) Supports the Australian Seeds Authority submitting the "Certificate III in Seed Processing" to the AgriFood Skills Australia National Council for national approval; and
(c) Supports the development of a training package for Seed Growers, in conjunction with AgriFood Skills Australia, for further consultation with industry.
ASA will now finalise the package and submit it to Agrifood Skills Australia for consideration.
ASA has also noted that the next tasks will be the identification and/or development of units which can be packaged into a qualification for seed growers, and to work, through ASATAC, with the Certification Agencies to develop Units specific to their needs.
Gary Kelly
ASA Director, Convenor of SITAG
Qualifications
The Australian Seeds Authority is working with Industry and Governments to ensure that professional qualifications for those working in the Seeds Industry are formally defined and nationally recognised. This will benefit industry through national recognition of skills and qualifications, and particularly the skilled individuals who work in our industry. ASA is also working to trial and develop courses and assessment processes that will support formal recognition of individuals professional skills.
If you are interested in participating or want more information you can contact us through the 'Help' or 'Seed Talk' areas of this site.
Processing
AHC32111 - Certificate III in Seed Processing
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AHC32111 |
Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing |
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Qualification Notes |
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This qualification provides a vocational outcome in commercial seed processing. Entry requirements There are no entry requirements for this qualification. Qualification pathways Pathways into the qualification This qualification may be accessed by direct entry. Pathways from the qualification Further training pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to, Certificate IV in Agriculture. Australian Apprenticeships This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship. Job roles Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include: Commercial seed processor |
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Packaging Rules |
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Completion of nine (9) units made up of six (6) core units and three (3) elective units. ELECTIVE UNITS
CORE UNITS Occupational Health and Safety AHCOHS301A Contribute to OHS processes Seed processing AHCSPO301A Operate a screen cleaner AHCSPO302A Operate an indent cylinder AHCSPO303A Operate a gravity table AHCSPO307A Handle, package and store commercial quantities of seed AHCSPO308A Sample seed before and after processing ELECTIVE UNITS Agribusiness AHCAGB301A Keep records for a primary production business Machinery operation and maintenance TLID1007C Operate a forklift Seed processing AHCSPO304A Operate seed modification machinery AHCSPO305A Operate seed treatment machinery AHCSPO306A Operate specialised seed processing machinery Work AHCWRK313A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS QUALIFICATION SUMMARY |
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Employability Skill |
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include: |
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Communication |
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Teamwork |
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Problem-solving |
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Initiative and enterprise |
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Planning and organising |
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Self-management |
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Learning |
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Technology |
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Production
Qualifications in Seed Production
In May 2011, AgriFood Skills Australia notified ASA that it was in a position to fund the work required to develop the seed production and seed testing qualifications which had been included in its Continuous Improvement Plan 2011-2014, and would appoint a consultant to work on this project.
The aim of the project is to develop qualifications specifically geared to seed growers, seed agronomists, field inspectors and seed analysts.
Mr Tony Dodson, AJ Dodson and Associates, who had been involved in the development of Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing, was appointed as the consultant, and ASA convened two new Seed Industry Training Advisory Groups (SITAG 2 – Seed Production and SITAG 3 – Seed Testing) to work with Mr Dodson.
Membership of SITAG 2 (Seed Production)
Members of industry advisory groups must have appropriate knowledge and skills relevant to the qualification being developed, and ASA thanks the following people for providing their time and expertise to this project:
- Mr Bruce Goss (Tasmanian seed producer, Chair GPA Seeds Committee)
- Mr Tim Schultz (South Australian seed producer)
- Mr
- Mr
- Mr Ashley Fraser, General Manager, Baker Seed Company, seed producers and processors
- Mr Craig Hole, Agronomist, Landmark
- Mr
SITAG2’s task is to work with the consultant to identify the areas of training required for seed producers, seed agronomists and field inspectors, and provide input into the development of the appropriate units of competence which will make up the resultant qualifications.
What has been achieved?
SITAG2 met with
The outcome of this meeting and subsequent teleconference has been the development of two draft qualifications – Certificate III and Certificate IV in Commercial Seed Production and a number of draft seed production-specific units of competence. A number of existing units, relevant to crop production, have also been identified and included in the draft qualifications.
The draft qualifications and units of competence were then made available via the AgriFood Skills website for a 12-week period of public consultation, ending 16 March 2012. All feed back will be considered by the consultant, referred to SITAG2 for comment and the draft documents will amended as necessary.
Final drafts will then be compliance audited by AgriFood before being submitted to the National Skills Standards Council for endorsement. They should be available for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in late 2012.
Testing
In May 2011, AgriFood Skills Australia notified ASA that it was in a position to fund the work required to develop the seed production and seed testing qualifications which had been included in its Continuous Improvement Plan 2011-2014, and would appoint a consultant to work on this project.
The aim of this project is to develop qualifications specifically geared to seed growers, seed agronomists, field inspectors and seed analysts.
Mr Tony Dodson, AJ Dodson and Associates, who had been involved in the development of Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing, was appointed as the consultant, and ASA convened two new Seed Industry Training Advisory Groups (SITAG 2 – Seed Production and SITAG 3 – Seed Testing) to work with Mr Dodson.
Membership of SITAG 3 (Seed Testing)
Members of industry advisory groups must have appropriate knowledge and skills relevant to the qualification being developed, and ASA thanks the following people for providing their time and expertise to this project:
- Ms
- Ms
- Mr Ken Cunliffe, Senior Seed Analyst,
SITAG3’s task is to work with the consultant to identify the areas of training required for seed analysts and provide input into the development of the appropriate units of competence which will make up the resultant qualifications.
What has been achieved?
SITAG3 met with
The outcome of this meeting and subsequent teleconference has been the development of two draft qualifications – Certificate III and Certificate IV in Seed Testing and a number of draft seed testing-specific units of competence. A number of existing units relevant to laboratory operations have also been identified and included in the draft qualifications.
The draft qualifications and units of competence were then made available via the AgriFood Skills website for a 12-week period of public consultation, ending 16 March 2012. All feed back will be considered by the consultant, referred to SITAG3 for comment and the draft documents will amended as necessary.
The final drafts will then be compliance audited by AgriFood before being submitted to the National Skills Standards Council for endorsement. They should be available for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in late 2012.
Seed Production
- Details
- Last Updated on Saturday, 17 March 2012 14:04
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Qualifications in Seed Production
In May 2011, AgriFood Skills Australia notified ASA that it was in a position to fund the work required to develop the seed production and seed testing qualifications which had been included in its Continuous Improvement Plan 2011-2014, and would appoint a consultant to work on this project.
The aim of the project is to develop qualifications specifically geared to seed growers, seed agronomists, field inspectors and seed analysts.
Mr Tony Dodson, AJ Dodson and Associates, who had been involved in the development of Certificate III in Commercial Seed Processing, was appointed as the consultant, and ASA convened two new Seed Industry Training Advisory Groups (SITAG 2 – Seed Production and SITAG 3 – Seed Testing) to work with Mr Dodson.
Membership of SITAG 2 (Seed Production)
Members of industry advisory groups must have appropriate knowledge and skills relevant to the qualification being developed, and ASA thanks the following people for providing their time and expertise to this project:
- Mr Bruce Goss (Tasmanian seed producer, Chair GPA Seeds Committee)
- Mr Tim Schultz (South Australian seed producer)
- Mr
- Mr
- Mr Ashley Fraser, General Manager, Baker Seed Company, seed producers and processors
- Mr Craig Hole, Agronomist, Landmark
- Mr
SITAG2’s task is to work with the consultant to identify the areas of training required for seed producers, seed agronomists and field inspectors, and provide input into the development of the appropriate units of competence which will make up the resultant qualifications.
What has been achieved?
SITAG2 met with
The outcome of this meeting and subsequent teleconference has been the development of two draft qualifications – Certificate III and Certificate IV in Commercial Seed Production and a number of draft seed production-specific units of competence. A number of existing units, relevant to crop production, have also been identified and included in the draft qualifications.
The draft qualifications and units of competence were then made available via the AgriFood Skills website for a 12-week period of public consultation, ending 16 March 2012. All feed back will be considered by the consultant, referred to SITAG2 for comment and the draft documents will amended as necessary.
Final drafts will then be compliance audited by AgriFood before being submitted to the National Skills Standards Council for endorsement. They should be available for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in late 2012.