Swine Production Foundations
Overview
The world’s growing need for lean, nutritious pork creates new jobs every single day. A career in the pork industry means you’ll help feed the world while enjoying relatively high job security. If you like working with animals, enjoy working with others, and are looking for a rewarding career that has a lot of upward mobility, consider working in this industry.
This program will set you on the path to becoming a swine production technician. Gain an understanding of swine operations including regulations, health and safety, record keeping, and maintenance of barns and barn systems. Learn production practices related to stockmanship, pig health care, breeding, farrowing, nursery, and grow and finish. Professionalism skills will be built through communication and conflict resolution learning activities.
The Swine Production Foundations program is available in a distance or blended (online/in-person) delivery format, providing you with the flexibility you need to complete your education. Whether you’re currently working in a barn and want to increase your knowledge or looking to move into the industry, you can take these courses in a way that suits you and your life.
The program is divided into three courses. If you are taking it by distance (starting monthly), an instructor supports your learning and is available to guide you as you work through the self-directed courses.
If you successfully take all three courses within five years, you will graduate with a document of achievement. To apply, click on the Admissions tab above.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Current employment in the commercial swine industry
- Prospective employment in a commercial swine operation upon course/program completion
- Ownership of a commercial swine operation
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Next Steps
Students must complete a statement of interest for admission into the Swine Production Foundations program and upload it with their online application. Now, let's begin your online application and join Assiniboine College!
Careers & Connections
Careers
Swine Technicians are important members of the swine production team in pig operations. Employers include pig barns operated by large corporations and independent farms located across Manitoba.
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
Technology Requirements
All of our programs require the use of a computer with internet access. Some resources may be available on campus. For more details, visit our At-Home Computing page.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $1,845 for the full program.
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice.
Courses
To graduate with a Swine Production Foundations document of achievement, students must successfully complete 24 academic credits.
Swine Operation Foundations (SWIN-0065) | 6 Credits
Responsibilities of a swine technician related to swine operations are explored. The structure and scope of the pork industry will be discussed including biosecurity and safety and health procedures for swine production facilities. Record keeping and maintenance of pig barns, barn systems and the role of a swine technician are included.
Professionalism for Swine Tech (SWIN-0066) | 6 Credits
The role of a swine technician to perform at a high level as a team member and stakeholder in the swine industry will be explored. Topics include preparing for and understanding the workplace, interacting efficiently and sharing the organizational vision. Areas of communication, conflict resolution and workplace diversity will be covered.
Swine Production Practices 1 (SWIN-0067) | 12 Credits
Stockmanship and animal welfare responsibilities are defined as they pertain to a swine technician. Production practices throughout the pig life cycle including breeding, farrowing, nursery, grow and finish are taught along with pig health care. Understanding production practices will enable the swine technician to maintain the health of animals in their care and meet production requirements.
FAQs
How do I register for the Swine Production Foundations program?
You must apply online and be accepted into the Swine Production Foundations program to be eligible to register for program courses. View the 'Admissions' tab for application requirements.
What are the start dates and costs for Swine Production Foundations?
The courses in this program start on the first day of every month.
For cost information, view the 'Courses & Costs' tab.
Swine Production Foundations is self-directed, what does that mean?
This program is delivered completely online. An instructor will be available to answer questions and support you as you work through your courses.
How do I access the Swine Production Foundations online courses?
Two to three days prior to the start of your course, you will receive an enrollment key for the course and a link to Assiniboine's online learning platform.