By Alice McFarlane

Educating the next generation of agriculture equipment technicians

Jun 28, 2023 | 4:19 PM

Saskatchewan students will have the opportunity to study agriculture online with the goal of developing a highly skilled and educated population.

Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) and the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) have partnered in support of agricultural education in Saskatchewan.

Sask DLC Chief Executive Officer Darren Gasper said they’ve had an excellent partnership with NAEDA.

“We’re excited to see another five years of some great opportunities for students across Saskatchewan whether they’re interested in becoming an equipment technician or a parts technician,” Gasper said.

Students enrolled in each of the agricultural programs will complete 50 hours of online theory, 50 hours of a work placement at a local equipment dealership, and an optional boot camp at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SaskPoly).

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The boot camp is an opportunity for students to attend SaskPoly’s Saskatoon campus to shadow apprentices, experience the industry and determine their interest in pursuing their respective career paths.

Gasper said the feedback has been outstanding.

“The best stories to hear back is when we have our students come back to us after the work placement and let us know that they’ve been offered a full-time job once they graduate from high school. So that’s easily the most rewarding part of this program is the excitement that that student comes back with when they found that passion that they’re able to pursue,” he said. “It’s really rewarding to hear this high school program led to a career opportunity for that student, typically in their local community.”

Through the newly signed five-year agreement, NAEDA will provide $40,000 each year to support work placements for students enrolled in agricultural focussed programs offered online through the Sask DLC.

Eligible courses include Agricultural Equipment Technician 20, Agricultural Equipment Technician 30, Parts Technician 30L and a new Precision Agriculture 30L program, which is currently in development.

NAEDA Vice President Larry Hertz said labour shortages are one of the most pressing risks facing Canadian agriculture and are a major constraint on both agricultural growth and global competitiveness.

“NAEDA is pleased to support Saskatchewan and the economy by investing in educational experiences that will enable students to pursue a wide variety of roles in the agriculture industry,” Hertz said.

Registration is now open. Parents or students who have questions or would like assistance registering can contact the Sask DLC.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW