The first-ever farm technician apprenticeship program in Canada was announced today by Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister Neil LeClair and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Under the new program, farm workers will receive a combination of classroom instruction and on-farm experience that will qualify them as farm technicians under the provincial government’s apprenticeship program. The program will be developed and delivered by the Nova Scotia Agriculture College.
“Today’s farm operations require a high level of skills and knowledge in areas such as food safety, farm safety and the use of technologies,” said Mr. LeClair. “The training of people to work in the industry will help it become more competitive and sustainable.”
Funding for the program is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Prince Edward Island Agriculture Sector Council.
“This government is committed to recruiting and attracting new farmers,” said Mr. Ritz. “This is an excellent initiative that will help strengthen the farm workforce and will lead to a more profitable farm sector.”
The Agriculture Sector Council was the driving force is getting the program off the ground. The council undertakes activities that attract and retain skilled workers.
“By having more well-trained employees on the farm, producers will be better able to adapt to agricultural advances in the future,” said Cameron MacDonald, chair of the council. “We are excited about the possibilities.”
The apprenticeship program will take three years to complete. It is expected to begin in January 2009.
FARM TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM BACKGROUND
August 2008
The Prince Edward Island Agriculture Sector Council has been working on the development of an apprenticeship program for farm workers since a 2004 study determined the need for a training program for farm workers. The study also indicated significant support from employers and employees to designate Farm Technician as a trade. Following the positive response and with letters of support from various agricultural organizations, in May 2005 Farm Technician was designated as an apprenticeable trade in Prince Edward Island
A Farm Technician Trade Advisory Committee of agricultural employers and employees representing various commodities outlined the skills that would be required of a farm technician. With the training requirements outlined, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College was selected, through a request for proposals process, to develop the learning materials and to deliver the program. NSAC is currently developing the program. The first study block will be delivered in January 2009.
The Farm Technician program will combine formal learning, hands-on learning, and field experience. It will include approximately eight weeks of study blocks per year over three winters. For the remainder of the year, the Farm Technician Apprentice will work full time with a farm mentor (employer). The program will provide an opportunity for farm workers to learn new skills and to receive recognition for existing skills. Participants will have access to training for licensing in key areas including Class 3A, pesticide certificate, first aid, etc. Apprenticeship programs are offered at no cost to participants.
There will be limited enrollment, so interested individuals are encouraged to register well in advance of the January 2009 program start date. To sign up or learn more about the Farm Technician Apprenticeship Program, contact the Prince Edward Island Apprenticeship Section at 902-368-4460.