| | Getting ready | Training farm requirements | Job information sources | Employment Websites
Please Note: The Green Certificate Employment Directory was designed to address training requirements as well. Please visit the directory to view available trainees and training farms, or to post your own profile.
The following are ideas as to how to locate a facility yourself.
Getting Ready
Decide which jobs, industries and work styles appeal to you. Visit the many agricultural trade shows and events, which occur year round in Alberta.
- Pork Congress
- Dairy Congress
- Beef Congress, Alberta Cattle Feeders and cattle shows
- Mane Event and horse shows
- Ag-Expo in Lethbridge, Alberta
- Agri-Trade in Red Deer, Alberta
- Peace Country Classic Agri-Show in Grande Prairie, Alberta
- Farm and Ranch Show in Edmonton, Alberta
- Other events are listed on the Ropin' The Web Events Page.
Making a resume
Make a typed, concise resume. It should be no more than two pages long. Visit a government Canada Alberta Service Centre, Career Development Centre or School Career Centre for assistance.
The Alberta Learning Information Service website is also full of helpful information!
Your résumé should include at least:
- Full name, current address and phone number
- Related certificates, diplomas, licenses you have achieved
- Past employment history - account for your time
- Other achievements, experiences & talents
- Career goals - what are you looking for?
- Personal and work history references
High school students
Work based training under the Green Certificate program gives you valuable work skills for any career. Employers can be approached to provide training for students as an investment in the future of a skilled workforce. Sufficient time spent on the job should be allowed for work, learning and skill development. Payment of students who are enrolled in the Green Certificate program or other Work Experience program is at discretion of the employer and the above philosophy should be kept in mind.
Wage/Salary & Working Conditions
Be prepared to negotiate. Check the Employers' Handbook for Agriculture and Horticulture to view a sample employment agreement (Page 2-50)
Specific Green Certificate Training Farm Requirements
A suitable training site is one which has the equipment, expertise and attitude to take on the task of training a willing learner in the skills outlined in the skill profile included in each farming specialization brochure. A trainer/employer needs to look carefully at the list of skills and determine their commitment to training an apprentice. If certain skills will not be well supported in training on their farm, it is acceptable that the learner may go to a neighbour for suitable job experience.
Green Certificate Program materials such as the brochures, application forms, videos and website are all intended to inform a prospective employer about the opportunities to train suitable staff.
Why should a farm business train an apprentice?
- Investing in training pays by improving the efficiency, safety and productivity of farm staff
- Interested and learning employees are motivated and productive
- Skilled staff are a key factor in lowering and sustaining the costs of production
- Staff loyalty will be encouraged by the demonstration of respect and support that is signified by being a training farm.
Job Information Sources
Green Certificate Employment Directory
- Customized employer and job-seeker employment directory designed to serve the agriculture industry.
- Available to view online at agriculture.alberta.ca/GCED
- Employers and job-seekers may send their information in via fax or mail.
Government sources: Canada Alberta Service Centres & Job Bank access
Publications
- Read your local newspaper
- Search periodicals, farm commodity newsletters or magazines like breeders journals.
- College libraries usually have extensive farm magazine collections. Consider visiting Lethbridge, Olds, Lakeland or Fairview Colleges.
Networking with producers, consultants and agri-business services
- Talk to other producers and agri-business owners in the area you would like to work
- Find local consultants (try farm, feedlot, feed, soils, crop, chemicals, management, computer, etc.)
- Ask people if they know of anyone looking for staff
Farm employment contacts
Visit these sites to explore careers in agriculture, and view available jobs
These agencies help farm operations look for staff:
College employment offices
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