A new partnership between the Parkland College, Lakeland College, Government and the Keeseekoose First Nation will see more students have the opportunity to enter into a career in agriculture.
More than two dozen Parkland College students are poised to enter the workforce in the agriculture and agri-business industries upon completion of a unique pilot program being delivered on the Keeseekoose First Nation near Kamsack.
On March 9, the students wrapped up a nine-week "Introduction to Agriculture" training course. The program is designed to prepare First Nations students for entry level employment in the agriculture and agri-business sectors in the Yorkton-Kamsack area.
Course participants have spent the last two months learning the basics of farming with local farmers and agri-business operators as their instructors. They're now ready to graduate from the course, armed with fresh knowledge about everything from plant and soil science to fertility management to tillage and direct seeding.
To help the graduates get started on their career path, they were to meet with numerous local employers during a recent interview fair at the Keeseekoose hall. The goal is to have the students enter the workforce at local farm operations, grain handling facilities, specialized agriculture operations, farm supply businesses, or farm support retailers.
"These adults have a strong desire to learn and are anxious to start a career in agriculture," said Darrell Landels, Parkland College's Manager of Trades, Industrial & Agriculture. "A lot of local businesses in this area are having challenges finding people with the right qualifications to fill open jobs. Also, a lot of First Nations people on reserves or in nearby communities are looking to fill the jobs that are available in the local labour market. Strategies like the Intro to Ag program go a long way to help solve both concerns."
