AgriTalent.ca database of agriculture training programs launched!

On June 10, 2009, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council launched AgriTalent.ca—the first national on-line database of agriculture training programs.

AgriTalent.ca is an easy-to-use search engine for people looking for training in agriculture-related fields. Training resources range from full-time degree and diploma programs to continuing education courses. Each institution listing includes contact information, the number and type of programs offered, and a Web site address. Each course description includes the days/hours of instruction, method of instruction, program duration, and cost.

Put simply, AgriTalent.ca links people to institutions and training providers in Canada that offer programs in agriculture. Visitors to the Web site may browse by training subject, commodity group, or keyword in English or in French. AgriTalent.ca also features advanced search capabilities for users to combine keywords with training subjects, method of instruction, region of delivery, and commodity. The results of each search may be stored in an individual short list for easy reference.

The Council collected information on more than 1,000 agriculture-related courses from 228 training institutions from across Canada in order to develop AgriTalent.ca. This resource is a result of CAHRC's Inventory Database of Learning Programs project, which was recently completed.

Prior to its launch, AgriTalent.ca was tested by some members of the Council’s Board of Directors as well as CAHRC’s education partners from the Canadian Agricultural Education Network. This on-line resource is expected to become an essential tool for youth considering a career in agriculture and for agriculture employers and employees who want to advance their skills and training. It is also expected to help guidance counsellors and educational institutions promote courses that are essential to some of the jobs available today in agriculture.