50 years of growing Alberta’s Ag talent

Established in 1975 as the first program of its kind in Canada, Alberta’s government announced the training program for the province’s future farmers. Alberta is celebrating 50 successful years of this popular rural employment and training program, supporting high school students to enter and build careers in agriculture while earning high school credits at the same time.

Through the program, students develop the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to undertake careers in the agriculture industry. It provides real-life experience for trainees who want to apply for higher education in agriculture and grow their ag employability.

“Since the start of the Green Certificate Program, thousands of students have graduated with the skills and training they need to start a career in agriculture. The program empowers trainees to learn at their own pace, giving them hands-on experience of working for a local farm or agri-business. It continues to support ag employment in our rural communities, sparks new ideas and engages the next generation in the constantly changing world of agriculture.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Government partners with the agriculture industry and four Alberta regional colleges to deliver this valuable training program: Northwest Polytechnic, Lakeland College, Olds College and Lethbridge Polytechnic.

“Lakeland College values the half-century of our involvement with the Green Certificate Program. We’re a great fit as Lakeland and Green Certificate are both about hands-on learning. We’ve benefited as much as the farmers, ranchers, trainees and high school students from the program. We’ve gained instructors and students from our connection to it. We’ve also seen generations of family be connected as trainees, testers, students and two regional coordinators.”

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO, Lakeland College
 
“The Green Certificate program is a unique learning opportunity. I see strong connections made between students, trainers and testers where students are able to network and dive deeper into the industry. As a coordinator, I have seen all types of students shine in the program. Many have gone on to post-secondary agriculture education and careers. This program has withstood the test of time, and every year it continues to give youth a chance to learn in a very key industry.”