For the first time, ALFA Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) Accredited Training will be available online via Feedlot TECH, giving more feedlots across the country the chance to gain accreditation.
Experienced trainers, ALFA’s Technical Services Officer Jeff House and feedlot veterinarian Dr. Paul Cusack have presented AWO workshops throughout Australia – but said the option to learn online is set to be advantageous for many feedlots across Australia.
“It’s normally a day and a half for the face-to-face workshops, so it’s a big commitment in terms of travel, staying overnight and having staff away for a whole block of time,” Jeff said.
“This way it allows for smaller feedlots or feedlots that are based in further afield areas to be able to access the training, and also work through parts of it at their own pace.”
Accreditation from wherever you are
Staff will complete the theory side of the training on Feedlot TECH at their own pace before completing the three practical sessions with Paul and Jeff.
“The main aim is to give participants the skills to firstly understand animal welfare and recognise situations where they’re having an impact on animals,” Jeff said.
“The training is aimed at staff looking to gain a better knowledge of animal welfare, right through to supervisors or managers who may be conducting animal welfare audits at the feedlot.
“Ultimately, they will be able to conduct an animal welfare audit of the feedlot which is a requirement to be conducted twice a year within the National Feedlot Accreditation Schemes (NFAS).”
What’s involved
The course materials consist of theory content and group sessions to provide students the chance to connect with presenters in real-time, run the feedlot audit walk-through simulation and undertake the group work required.
Post-course assessment activities are also required to gain accreditation. Students must complete all elements of the course to be deemed competent.
Upon successful completion of the online training and post-training assessment, students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment from TAFE Queensland (RTO Number 0275) for the Animal Welfare Officer Skill Set.
Second intake announced
If you missed out on registering for the first intake (Jun – Aug) we are pleased to announce that we are now accepting a second intake for (Jul – Oct). Register now via the ALFA website.
Cost
Registration is per person and provides individual access to the online training course, resources, participation in the facilitated group training sessions with presenters, and certification.
ALFA MEMBER – $750 (inc gst) per person
NON-MEMBER – $850 (inc gst) per person
