In John Tullamarine's post, which I realise was from a Pilot's view point, I would take slight issue with:
eighings etc... and a week to cover all the ins and outs of loading systems.
When I was young (which is either for 10 minutes after I woke up this morning, or 36 years ago) there was a very detailed Part of the Flight Operations Manual on Loading, covering: , Bulk, Pallets, ULD's, Hold Floor Strengths, Load Spreading, Restraining Load and Lashing equipment types and advantages/disadvantages, plus ballast types and usage, also an entire section on Dangerous Goods, restrictions on and Handling of, plus Human Remains, Live Animals, Ammunition (excluding what is now Article 51 of the ANO) etc.
Just taking dangerous goods as an example for those involved on a day to day basis this is now a three day course leading to certification (which has to be renewed after two years). For Air Crew the course is half-day, but requires refreshers.
Therfore whilst for Air Crew a two week course is probably right. For those Ground Disciplines Load Planning, Loading team Leaders and Dispatchers, the Course for Practical Loading should be at least a Week plus the three day Dangerous Goods Course.
Dangerous Goods is one of the few areas where training has improved . I hope that in other areas Load Planners and head loaders are still trained in Spreading, Restraint and the other basics like not to put AVI with HUM.
On a lighter note, does anyone remember the infamous:
Snake Bites Loader, Snake Dies incident at Gatwick circa 1976?