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GTA Professional Development Program

GTA’s objective is to offer targeted, practical courses for people involved at all stages along the grain value chain - from farmers to exporters.

Following the deregulation of export markets the Australian grain market has become more sophisticated, complex and risky. In response to these changes, Grain Trade Australia has developed a series of courses for grain growers, merchants and traders to meet their expanding educational demands.

GTA Courses have been developed to competency standards recognised by the Australian National Training Information Service, the peak educational authority for vocational training.

       GTA Professional Development Program Brochure PDF 2012         

GTA’s Professional Development Program includes the following courses:

  1. Understanding Grain Markets
  2. Trade Rules, Contracts and Dispute Resolution
  3. Grain Merchandising 
  4. GTA Grain Standards
  5. Grain Accounting
  6. GTA Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) and Arbitration 
  7. GTA Export Contracts and Documentation

Course Registration Form, Dates and Locations

Assessments

Students that pass the assessments for the required courses (2, 3 & 4) are eligible to apply for the Certificate in Professional Grain Trading(GTA). 

1. Understanding Grain Markets

Course Content:

Understanding Grain Markets (UGM) is a one day course that has been designed and is presented independently for either grain traders or grain producers. The course contains information that can have immediate bottom line benefits. The course material contains relevant information developed by grain trading professionals.

The UGM course aims to provide an understanding of:

  1. Market dynamics;
  2. Factors that influence price and basis;
  3. Grain marketing strategies; 
  4. Grain pools and contract types - rights and obligations; 
  5. Grain pricing information to assist in making sound grain marketing decisions. 

The course provides participants with a complete understanding of the fundamental supply and demand of international markets and how it affects Australia. The course also offers participants an understanding of how the Australian price is derived and the relationship to foreign markets, including the components of price, price determination, risk management, contracting principles and dispute settlement mechanisms.

2. Trade Rules, Contracts and Dispute Resolution

Course Content:  

The GTA Trade Rules, Contracts and Dispute Resolution course is a one day course designed for industry personnel with a basic level of knowledge.  It is ideal for junior traders, trade assistants and back office staff. For senior personnel, it is a refresher course.

Participants will receive training in:

  1. Interpretation of the GTA Trade Rules - placing the Trade Rules into a commercial context.
  2. Understanding of GTA contracts - 
    • No.1:  Grain & Oilseeds In Bulk FOB Terms
    • No.2:  Grain & Oilseeds In Bulk Basis Track
    • No.3:  Grower Contract Confirmation
    • No.4:  Delivered Container Terminal (DCT)
  3. GTA Dispute Resolution - methods, process and legal authority. 

3. GTA Grain Merchandising 

Course Content: 

GTA Grain Merchandising is a two day course designed for those who require a greater understanding of the background to trading grain. Participants will require an assumed basic level of knowledge in grain marketing and is ideal for junior traders, trade assistants and experienced personnel.

Participants will receive training in: 

  1. The operation of the Australian grain supply chain;
  2. Determination of Australian grain prices using futures, foreign exchange and basis;
  3. Tools to manage price; 
  4. Counterparty risk;
  5. Relationship between managing price and GTA Contracts/Trade Rules. 

  4. GTA Grain Standards Course 
 

Course Content:

The GTA Grain Standards Course has been designed for grain trade classification staff or producers who independently store their own grain.

  • The trade program is design for staff responsible for the operation of  receival sites and those who require an understanding of the purpose and need for classification and segregation of grain.
  • The grower program provides a detailed understanding of the trade requirements for those considering onfarm storage and handling for the purpose of meeting trade requirement both domestically and internationally.

The program runs for two days, providing participants training in:

  1. The application of relevant Receival Standards for cereal grain, oilseeds and pulses;
  2. The correct procedures for operating a receival site/storage facility;
  3. The grain classification process, weighbridge and documentation activities and information required to safely receive and store grain.
  4. The correct use of equipment and assessment techniques.

 
5. Grain Accounting

Course Content:

The Grain Accounting program is a new course being offered by GTA in 2011. The one day course is designed to improve the skills of those with a current understanding of accounting principles. The course aims to engage accountants, grain traders and their back office staff in the specific requirements for the financial accounting demands of the domestic and export grain trade. Key topics include:

  1. Australian grain supply chain - paddock to end user;
  2. Key financial reporting for grain trading;
  3. Issues in historical accounting;
  4. Reporting market to market accounting;
  5. Hedged contracts;
  6. Risk reporting;
  7. Managing performance risk.

 
6. GTA Dispute Resolution Service and Arbitration

Course Content:

This is a one day course designed for those who would like a greater understanding of the GTA dispute resolution mechanisms and processes. It is suitable for traders and all levels of management, especially retained legal staff. The course provides an appreciation and understanding of the role of arbitration, the process and the legislative framework along with the procedure that should be followed at the commencement and duration of an arbitration. Topics covered include:

  1. Commercial Arbitration Legislation;
  2. GTA dispute resolution service;
  3. Commencing and conducting an Arbritation;
  4. Common issues faced by Arbitrators;
  5. Awards.

 7. GTA Export Contracts and Documentation
 

Course Content:

The Export Contracts and Documentation course is a two day program offering grain industry participants involved in the export market, a comprehensive understanding of their requirements and responsibilities. This module focuses on the key issues common to all exporters such as:

  1. Export contracts;
  2. Documentation;
  3. Logistics;
  4. Quarantine;
  5. Food safety;
  6. Generic skills expected of professional exporters.