NSAC Introduces Farm Technician Apprenticeship Training Program

Canada's first farm technician apprenticeship training program will soon be offered through the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC). The program will provide specialized training for Prince Edward Island farm workers.

"I am pleased that NSAC has been recognized for its expertise in training agricultural workers and I am confident the skills of farm technicians graduating from this course will be second to none," said Dr. Leslie MacLaren, NSAC's co-president and vice-president Academic.

"The Nova Scotia Agricultural College continues its long tradition of helping train and educate the agriculture sector throughout the region."

Through this program, farm workers will get a combination of classroom instruction and on-farm experience to qualify as farm technicians under the P.E.I. provincial apprenticeship program. Developed and delivered by the NSAC through its Continuing and Distance Education office. The three-year apprenticeship program is set begin in January.

"Farming is an increasingly complicated and challenging occupation," said Dr. Bernie MacDonald, co-president and vice-president administration, at NSAC. "There is great potential for more innovative programming like this to come from NSAC to help industry meet its needs."

The P.E.I. Agriculture Sector Council was the driving force in getting the program off the ground. A committee of agricultural employers and employees representing various sectors of the agricultural industry outlined the skills that would be required for a certified farm technician.

Media Contacts: Jolene M MacEachern,
Continuing and Distance Education
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
902-893-6667
E-mail: jmaceachern@nsac.ca