The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced a commitment of more than $180,000 for the development of a new program at Conestoga that will provide education and training in the latest agricultural equipment.
Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the federal and provincial governments will assist Conestoga in the creation, launch and delivery of the Agriculture Equipment Operator pilot project in Brantford to expand training opportunities for current farm sector employees and better prepare those interested in careers in agriculture to work on farms in key areas.
“Agriculture is by far the biggest single industry in Brant and Brantford,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “To see the governments of Ontario and Canada come together to support the development of a new college program to train in the latest agricultural equipment can only strengthen our goal of food self-sufficiency in Ontario.”
Students will learn skills in high demand areas, including spraying and fertilizing operations, custom tillage, and harvesting operations. The project is part of an overall investment of more than $750,000 by the governments to help primary agriculture, food processing companies and food retailers recruit and train workers critical in keeping the province’s essential food supply functioning.
“We greatly appreciate the province’s investment in this important initiative,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “As well as addressing critical workforce needs in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector, the Agriculture Equipment Operator training initiative will provide opportunities for local residents to develop in-demand skills, advance their careers and contribute to the success and well-being of the community.”
Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of skills and apprenticeship training to serve industry needs and the growing community. Comprehensive programming includes a wide range of post-secondary programs that provide pathways to employment. Visit the School of Trades & Apprenticeship for more information.