Throughout the program students will be engaged in sustainable agriculture and exposed to the study of plants and animals including the biological effects of soil, climate and chemical management activities related to tillage, fertilization and irrigation on plant and animal performance and enhancement. Program participants will perform physical agriculture tasks combining energy, labor, skills and machinery using the latest technology and best practices in a real world setting on a day to day basis. Students of the Agricultural Technician Co-op program will participate in an 8-day field camp at the Center for Agriculture and Forestry Development. Graduates will be able to balance the socioeconomic factors including the markets for the farm products with the cost of outputs including fuel costs, labor costs, credits, taxation, research, technical assistance, land usage and the environment.
Agriculture technician students will receive instruction in a broad range of course content aimed at developing good analytical and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively as a team member. After successfully completing this program, individuals will have a basic working knowledge of agricultural techniques and procedures related to the care of livestock and plants and should be able to safely operate farm equipment.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Perform a wide variety of duties in support of seasonal and full-time agriculture using farm tools and equipment.
- Conduct agriculture research following established guidelines, procedures and directions to move towards a reliable, sustainable and safe supply of healthy food products for future generations.
- Prepare land, select seed and nutrient varieties, plant, harvest and market agriculture products.
- Care for livestock and perform routine veterinary procedures, as required on a day to day basis.
- Safely operate farm tractors, calibrate and maintain farm equipment, and attachments.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The province’s agriculture industry is a significant contributor to the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The industry includes approximately 550 farms and 100 manufacturers with farm receipts totaling $140 million. During peak season, the agriculture industry employs 4000 people. Agriculture Technicians can work with Provincial and Federal Governments, existing agriculture operations or develop their own farming enterprise.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Academic:
Eligibility for admission to the Agriculture Technician Diploma program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one (1) year to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Agriculture Technician program are required to complete or obtain valid certification in the following areas upon graduation:
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED
ATV Training
WHMIS/OHS
Chainsaw Safety
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
Pesticide Applicator License
Tractor Safety
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications, field trips/tours. Additional expenses will be necessary for the purchase of items of clothing required for scheduled labs and outdoor work.