Pig Production training Ltd. - PPT-training.com

Planning the implementation of the Pig Skills Manuals system will make the whole process run more smoothly and achieve better results. There are a number of stages in implementation that need to be considered:

Familiarisation: Company Management needs to fully understand the training materials, the methods used in training, the resources required and what is involved in implementation prior to the commencement of any training.
Customisation: The Pig Skills Manuals on-farm training system is based on a very detailed set of procedures for every task carried out on the unit. Some degree of customisation is usually necessary to align these with company practices. This avoids confusion by the trainee and makes training easier for the instructor.
Needs assessment: Prior to producing an implementation plan, we may carry out an assessment of the skills, knowledge and attitudes of staff at all levels in the business. We also look closely at the strengths and weaknesses of the production system and the results achieved. This enables us to prioritise the training so that it addresses the weakest areas and therefore has the biggest impact on profit.
Prioritisation: We normally focus on one or two areas initially, for example, heat checking and insemination skills or management of the sow at farrowing. We identify the specific skills from our programme that are associated with these areas which, when applied correctly by staff, will deliver the results required.
Training trainers: Normally skills based training is carried out by employees of the production company at supervisory level upwards. This involves teaching them the skills needed to deliver the programme, in particular the participative techniques used to involve the trainee fully in the training session. During this training we also identify the “natural trainers” and potential leaders in the training process.
Initial delivery: New trainers need to practice their techniques for a period and develop their own style. Focussing on a small group of skills makes this easier and builds confidence. Any problems with delivery techniques can be dealt with during this period.
Coaching trainers: After a few months we run another session with the trainers to identify any difficulties and to further develop their skills. At this stage we are likely, in conjunction with management, to select a small group of individuals to lead the training implementation. These people will supervise the other trainers, ensure they deliver the programme effectively and give ongoing coaching.
Full implementation: Once the trainers are fully competent, we train every person that works in the relevant area of each unit. Once this is done, we move on and train another set of skills in another section of the unit.
Monitoring results: Both management and stockpersons expect to see a result from the training. Prior to implementation we agree the parameters that will be measured and how much improvement we expect. If implementation is good, we know that the targets will be achieved. If they are not, we investigate why and solve the problem, which is usually a failure to carry out the correct procedures. This may require some re-training.

The stages outlined above can easily be implemented within a large to medium sized production company. For smaller farms a veterinarian or production consultant can carry out the training.