SKILLS and knowledge among young stock and station agency members industry will be underpinned for the next three years under a program announced this week.

Meat & Livestock Australia has signed a three-year funding agreement under the MLA Donor Company to support a long-running agency training program run by the independent RMA agency network and Wodonga TAFE, to deliver Next Generation Agency and Supply Chain training for the livestock and wool industries.

The Stock and Station Agency and Supply chain training has been run by the RMA Network and Wodonga TAFE for the past 14 years. Regarded as the most comprehensive training for new stock agents and supply chain service providers in Australia, more than 300 attendees have taken part up to now.

The program is focused on the operational understanding of the required livestock and wool industry interactions between producers, agency, processors, lotfeeders, exporters and the associated service providers.

The objective is to allow new entrants to become effective employees for their employer faster.

The course covers an extensive range of topics including livestock production, genetics, animal welfare, finance, sustainability, transport, quality programs, wool, safety as well as the understanding of the day-to-day requirements within the livestock, wool and animal health industry.

Faster learning curve

Simone Dand, program coordinator with Wodonga TAFE, will become a shared resource with RMA Network under the new MLA funding arrangement.

“Over my time with this program we have seen attendees improving their skills to a level that we believe takes three to five years off their learning curve,” Ms Dand said.

“It also helps attendees create a ready-made network from all over Australia within the group and with the many subject matter experts involved in the program delivery.”

RMA Network chief executive Chris Howie, representing independent stock and property agents across Australia said the arrangement with MLA opened the door for new or potential staff, irrespective of shirt colour, to be involved with the program, as a foundation for their career.

“Simone has a skill set that is unique to the livestock and wool sectors which enhances the delivery of this program providing real industry benefits. Our goal is to deliver a level of professionalism based on understanding the complexities of day-to-day agency which in turn helps new entrants avoid simple mistakes,” Mr Howie said.

“This program has access to the best skill sets in Australia who give up their time to teach Next generation Agent and Supply Chain participants.”

MLA project manager for adoption and capability building, Keely Kovacevic, said the project provided strong value to the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

“MLA has identified a real value in this project with the Agency and Supply Chain training creating a natural point of contact with livestock and wool producers all over the country,” Ms Kovacevic said.

“The natural fit of training new entrants to make use of the information available within MLA and Integrity Systems Co will help with adoption at a producer level which benefits everyone involved,” she said.

“The program is a fantastic development opportunity for all involved in our industry with a common learning cause being the main driver.”

About the course

The next Next Generation Agency and Supply Chain training course starts on 3 March at Wodonga and provides the opportunity to complete a full Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40122) or attend the workshop-only format.

The structure of the course is two four-day residential workshops about 5-6 months apart, and the cost is inclusive of accommodation and catering. Each workshop sees a group of new participants join those returning for their second session, allowing for excellent networking opportunities. Intakes are capped at 15 to create the best learning experience.

The March workshop has a small number of slots available. Contact Simone Dand for details – 0455 240 307.