A programme of advanced workshops for pig workers is returning after a four-year break to address the growing challenges and responsibilities in the pork industry.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has redesigned its Stockperson Plus syllabus to cover topics like water management, managing casualty pigs, and assurance schemes in more detail for the first time, with all learning moved online.

The redeveloped programme helps cement AHDB's role as the leading organisation of such training and naturally follows on from the Stockperson Development Scheme (SDS) to further develop the technical skills of pig unit staff.

The newer advanced technical sessions are aimed at stockpeople who have good understanding already and/or have completed the SDS, and want to progress to become a supervisor or manager or just get a deeper understanding of a particular production area they are currently working in.

AHDB's Knowledge Exchange Relationship Manager (East), Andrew Palmer, said: "We've brought the scheme back because of how quickly many workers in the industry are finding themselves faced with greater responsibilities.

"Having spoken to stockpeople and their managers we've included a few new topics along with options for indoor and outdoor units.

"We used to offer face-to-face sessions but have taken some of the learnings from how we had to adapt during Covid and decided to offer the course completely online.

"That way it fits in to the workloads of those we're aiming to attract from within pig husbandry and will allow more to attend."

The training sessions will begin in late October and run through until March 2024.

To view the timetable and book a place on the Stockperson Plus scheme click here.

Further details for SDS can also be found here.