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Increasing skills and talent in Canada’s agrifood sector

Capacity Building
CAPACITY BUILDING PRIORITY

Labour, Skills and Access to Talent

Project Timeline
October 2021 to December 2022
Project Status
Fund I: Complete
Total Investment
$1,080,300

Consortia Contribution
$70,000

Cluster Contribution
$1,010,300

Partners

Palette Skills

University of Saskatchewan

Goal

The project aims to increase the participation of under-represented populations in Saskatchewan and a high post-program employment placement in the agrifood sector equipped with digital agriculture skills.

Project Summary

This project is focused on designing and delivering an upskilling pilot program in digital skills in the agrifood sector in Saskatchewan.

The project includes consultations with key stakeholders and industry partners, as well as leveraging existing reports to determine the most pressing needs of industry and develop a short program to meet the demands of employers.

Results and Impact

  • Created the eight-week hybrid (in-person and online) Automation & Digital Agriculture Specialist program that is available for both Saskatchewan and Alberta residents, with over 130 hours of training (part- and full-time)
  • Developed an employer-led model for the pilot cohorts of the program. Through the development and implementation of the program, the partners have created an ecosystem of employers and organizations, engaging 104 stakeholder organizations, that not only recognize and understand the labour gap challenges in the agri-food industry, but are also willing to support the endeavour through knowledge mobilization and collaboration.
  • Recently, Palette Skills has been selected as a national delivery partner for the upskilling for Industry Initiative led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, which gives us the opportunity to scale this work across the country.
  • Scaling is projected with their first steps in B.C. and Alberta.
  • 78.8% of cohort participants identified as individuals from under-represented groups.
  • 44% of cohort participants self-identified as women.
  • 5.7% of cohort participants self-identified as individuals with disabilities.

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