Manufacturing

Level 2 Award in Protecting the Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing

An EU Regulation relating to the welfare of animals at time of killing (WATOK) has come into force in the UK. This applies to those who work with animals and poultry in care, movement, preparation and slaughter to process food for human consumption, including operatives and Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs). At the heart of this regulation sits a proficiency qualification, which we at we at Poultec have been accredited to deliver.

These qualifications assess and confirm the competence of individual learners in the workplace in the protection of animals or birds at time of killing. The units of the qualification must be selected to reflect the areas of work and the animal species which an individual is responsible for, or working with. The units within this qualification cover all species, including chicken, turkey, duck, goose, farmed game bird and, large game.  It is possible to complete the Level 2 Certificate in Protecting the welfare of Animals at Time of Killing is sufficient units are completed.

This qualification must be achieved by those in lairage and slaughter operations to be able to practice in this environment. On successful completion of the qualification and assessment learners receive a qualification certificate from FDQ, they can then apply for their Certificate of Competence from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England and DARD in Northern Ireland.

The welfare of animals at time of killing (WATOK) suite of qualifications is fully accredited and recognised as the qualification certificate cited in EU Regulation 1099/2009 and, in particular Articles 7, 17, 21, 29 and Annex IV. The achievement of the qualification allows individuals to apply for a certificate of competence to work in lairage and slaughter operations.

Level 2 Award for Proficiency in Poultry Meat Inspection

This award covers the handling and inspection of poultry meat, ie. post-mortem only. There are several species pathways within this poultry qualification, including broilers and hens; ducks and geese; non-hunted game birds and turkeys. It is vital that Poultry Inspection Assistants take and achieve each species pathway as related to their job role.

As well as qualifying individuals to legally work in this area, the training will help them to become more skilled, more knowledgeable and able to discharge their roles more effectively.