1. What does MINTRAC do?
2. What services does MINTRAC provide to the Meat Industry?
3. Who works at MINTRAC?
4. What training does MINTRAC provide?
5. What services does MINTRAC provide to Registered Training Organisations?
6. How do I train to be a Meat Inspector?
7. How do I train to be a butcher?
8. Can I undertake training in the meat qualifications if I don’t have a job?
9. What services can MINTRAC provide to Australian Apprenticeship Centres?
10. How is MINTRAC funded?
    

1. What does MINTRAC do?

MINTRAC is a company, owned by the Meat Industry, which represents the industry on training matters. MINTRAC's role is to improve the skills of workers in the industry through the provision of recognised and accredited training from entry level through to senior management. MINTRAC serves the red meat, pork and game meat industries.

MINTRAC services the three sectors of the meat industry, processing (abattoirs and boning rooms), smallgoods and meat retailing.

MINTRAC works with the industry to provide the following services:

• the development and review of National Qualifications and training framework
• the development and review of National Training Packages
• the development of training and assessment materials to support the Training Packages
• the implementation of training in the industry
• the representation of meat industry training interests at a State and Federal level

2. What services does MINTRAC provide to the Meat Industry?

Meat processors, smallgoods manufacturers and meat retailers are able to utilise the following services:

• on site briefings for staff and management on the introduction of structured training programs
• assistance with the development of a training plan and budget
• advice on the introduction of a traineeship program
• assistance with negotiations with:
  • State Training Authorities
  • DEEWR
  • AgriFood Skills Australia
  • Registered Training Organisations
  • Australian Apprenticeship Centres
• assistance with applications to become a Registered Training Organisation
• assistance to access funding for training activities
• provision of support materials available free of charge to meat companies

3. Who works at MINTRAC?

4. What training does MINTRAC provide?

MINTRAC is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and therefore does not directly deliver accredited training courses. However, MINTRAC frequently works in partnership with Registered Training Organisations to facilitate the delivery of high priority training, or to introduce new models of delivery or resources.

Companies or individuals seeking to undertake accredited training in the national Meat Industry qualifications will need to go to an RTO. MINTRAC can provide information about RTOs who are licensed to provide training for the Meat industry.

5. What services does MINTRAC provide to Registered Training Organisations?

RTOs may access a wide range of support services from MINTRAC including

• advice on industry models for the delivery and assessment of the Certificates in Meat Processing
• assistance with negotiations with meat companies and the implementation of training
• training and assessment materials to support the delivery of the Certificates in Meat Processing
• information on State and Federal Government funding and incentives for employers and Registered Training Organisations
• support and advice in their negotiations with the State Training Authorities
• provision of workshops and support for their trainers to discuss and resolve issues arising from the delivery of the Certificates in Meat Processing
• referrals from employers who are interested in training.

6. How do I train to be a Meat Inspector?

Depending on the type of employment, Meat Inspectors are required to complete the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) or the Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Meat Safety). Study to become a Meat Inspector requires enrolment with a Registered Training Organisation which has the Meat Safety qualifications listed on its scope of delivery.

7. How do I train to be a butcher?

Training to become a butcher requires enrolment as an apprentice in the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Retailing). For information about butchery apprenticeships click here.

8. Can I undertake training in the meat qualifications if I don’t have a job?

Most of the meat industry qualifications require on-the-job assessment, and so employment is essential in order for assessment to be undertaken.

However, some states offer pre-employment programs which prepare people for employment in the meat industry. It is also possible to take some units or part-qualifications before commencing employment. For more information about these options, call MINTRAC on 1800 817 462, or contact your nearest RTO.

9. What services can MINTRAC provide to Australian Apprenticeship Centres?

MINTRAC can provide advice to AACs about:

• the nature and coverage of the National Training Package
• the availability of Registered Training Organisations
• the preferred industry delivery models
• the suitability of particular qualifications for particular plants and employees

10. How is MINTRAC funded?

MINTRAC is wholly funded for its operations by the meat industry and has an extremely close relationship with the industry. Red-meat processor levies, collected and distributed by the Australian Meat Processors Corporation (AMPC), fund MINTRAC’s operations.

In addition MINTRAC undertakes a wide variety of projects, some of which are funded from Research and Development funds administered by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and matched dollar for dollar by AMPC. Other projects are wholly funded from a variety of sources, such as State and Federal education and training authorities, or targeted industry projects.