SFI04 Seafood Industry Training Package

August 2010


Stage 2 - Validation

The SFI10 Training Package review has now advanced to the validation stage. Based on information received during the consultative stage of the review, and directives from the National Quality Council, changes have been incorporated into the proposed SFI10 Seafood Industry Training Package.

At this point, we seek the input of stakeholders to validate the proposed qualifications and competencies in SFI10. These documents are available to view below by following the links. Your validation advice and feedback can be sent via the AgriFood Continuous Improvement Register or direct to the project consultant Barb McPherson, barbmc@r-m-t.com.au.

Validation will close 31 August. 


Interpreting what's new and changed in the SFI10 Training Package 

We draw your attention to the areas of most significant change in the proposed SFI10 Seafood Industry Training Package:
 

Qualifications
The proposed package includes updated qualifications in all sectors.

Competencies
The proposed package includes a series of new competencies, as well as a wide range of additional imported competencies. These, and new SFI competencies are in red font in the sector qualification documents (see above), and referenced in the Imported Units Mapping Document.

New SFI competencies include:

  • SFIAQUA220A Use waders
  • SFIAQUA221A Control predators and pests
  • SFIAQUA222A Control diseases
  • SFISTOR204A Prepare, pack and dispatch stock for live transport
  • SFISTOR205A Prepare, pack and dispatch non live product
  • SFIAQUA315A Oversee emergency procedures for on land operations
  • SFIAQUA316A Oversee the control of predators and pests
  • SFIAQUA317A Oversee the control of diseases
  • SFIAQUA318A Coordinate feed activities
  • SFIFISH310A Adjust and position fishing gear
  • SFIFISH311A Operate vessel deck machinery and lifting appliance
  • SFIAQUA411A Manage water quality and environmental monitoring in enclosed systems
  • SFIAQUA412A Develop emergency procedures for on land operations
  • SFICOMP315A Support the judicial process
  • SFICOMP316A Gather, collate and record information
  • SFICOMP317A Facilitate effective communication in the workplace
  • SFICOMP318A Perform administrative duties
  • SFICOMP410A Promote fisheries management awareness programs
  • SFICOMP411A Implement aquaculture compliance
  • SFICOMP412A Operate in remote areas
  • SFICOMP413A Maintain operational safety
  • SFICOMP414A Manage own professional performance
  • SFICOMP415A Board vessel at sea
     

Skill Sets

 

March 2010

In March we advised that the training package was undergoing final edits in preparation of the final draft which will be posted on the AgriFood Skills Australia website for final validation mid April. The final version of the Training Package then has to undergo several audits (holistic, equity and quality) after which it can be submitted for endorsement.

Below is a summary of the changes being made to the Training Package as a result of stakeholder feedback.

Users will find the following changes which affect the entire Training Package:

  • qualification rules have changed slightly in line with NQC directives (as reported on http://www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/nqc_publications).
  • employability skills have been added to each qualification.
  • maritime regulatory tickets can no longer be gained in conjunction with an SFI qualification.
  • green skills given a higher profile
  • imported units are being updated to current versions where they continue to fulfil a need.
  • competency layout has been edited in line with the required template.
  • more consistency in range statements within AQF levels and industry streams.
  • the minimum number of units required for Certificate II qualifications has generally been reduced, and to a lesser extent in Cert III qualifications.

Stream specific changes

Aquaculture
As a response to feedback, several new units (in wader safety, water quality and hatchery operations) have been added, along with several additional imported units (chain saws, load shifting). A few units have had significant updates to better accommodate ornamentals, and the transport of live stock.

Seafood Processing and Sales & Distribution
Due to an increased adoption of automation by some seafood processing facilities, lean manufacturing competencies are being imported. The division between seafood processing  and food processing is becoming  less definitive as more competencies appearing in revised FDF03 Food Processing Training Package are also being included in the revised SFI04 Training package.

Fisheries Compliance
Fisheries Compliance qualifications have undergone significant changes to better match the changing work environment of compliance officers. Certificate IV will be the entry level for an officer; the Certificate III being used for a trainee officer, or as the basis of a pre-employment program.

Fishing Operations
The number of fishing qualifications will be reduced to one at each AQF level. Whilst there are no pathways within a qualification to gain a maritime regulatory ticket as in the SFI04 Training Package, a trainee doing a Certificate II in Seafood Industry (Fishing Operations) and then rolling into a Certificate III could with careful selection of competencies, be only one unit short of a Coxswain along with gaining their SFI Certificates II and III in Fishing Operations.

The Environmental Management System

Minor updates to the SFIEMS units to meet green skills requirements

Fishing Charter qualifications have been removed

Skill Sets of: 1) Fishing Charter competencies 2) Fishing operations competencies and 3) Environmental management competencies are proposed, and discussions  with the TLISC over their possible inclusion within future Maritime qualifications are taking place.

This is an overview of changes resulting from industry and RTO feedback.

Project Consultant

Barbara McPherson
River Murray Training Pty Ltd
Ph  (08) 8582 3658
Fax (08) 8582 3662
Skype/MSN user name: barbmc
barbmc@r-m-t.com.au

Project roles and responsibilities

AgriFood Skills Australia, Project Manager for the SFI04 review is Tony Dodson, and the project consultant is Barbara McPherson from River Murray Training Pty Ltd.

A national reference group provides governance and process advice and expert technical groups will be set up by the project consultant as required to assist with recommendations.

National reference group

Roy Palmer (CEO, Seafood Experience Australia, Seafood – CRC)
Rory Byrne (Seafood Training Tasmania)
Elizabeth Owers (State Training Authority – from Quality Directorate in South Australia)
Juanita Caddy (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations)
Tony Dodson (AgriFood Skills Australia - project manager)
Barbara McPherson (River Murray Training - project consultant)