Identifying On-Farm Occupations
The Identifying On-Farm Occupations project will identify and define occupational groups and core skills specific to the on-farm sector across key commodity groups. This information will be used to develop a sector-specific grid of on-farm occupations and skill levels by commodity group. The grid will be analyzed to identify any areas where occupational standards and essential skills profiles need to be developed in the future to improve the national occupational classification system. It will also be analyzed to determine whether there is a need for additional training programs for agricultural workers and youth entering the workforce.
Identifying key on-farm occupations and developing national occupational standards will better define career pathways and raise awareness of the skills required for workers on today’s farms. The project will result in an industry-validated, sector-specific listing of on-farm occupations and skills-levels by commodity groups. It will include recommendations on the occupations that require essential skills and standards development, which may direct future projects by CAHRC.
Over the short term, this project will help farm employers recruit and retain long-term employees in all key commodities, and recognize career advancement opportunities. It will also help present, potential and future agriculture employees plan their career paths and gain selected skill sets. In addition, it will help educators address training program gaps.
Over the long term, the results of the project will be used by CAHRC to generate greater awareness of agriculture employment opportunities and career paths for youth, workers, and students. They will also set the stage for identifying key skill sets for further occupational analysis and standards development.