Connecting to Careers in Agricultural Technology within Vertical Farming is an upskilling program funded by Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada. Vertical farming involves various techniques for growing crops in a controlled environment. In Canada, the vertical farming market is projected to grow, with a compound annual growth rate of over 23% from 2021 to 2027 and over 20% from 2023 to 2030. Our program addresses the sector’s need for skilled workers. It will help individuals launch or advance their careers in agricultural technology. This industry-informed program includes technical training, futureproofing, mentoring, coaching, personal branding, and support to help participants successfully complete the training and transition into related employment.

Program Components

16 weeks online/onsite (ACCES Employment and Humber Polytechnic)

Technical Training (delivered by Humber Polytechnic)

An instructor-led online course that includes the following modules:

  • Technologies Used in Vertical Farming: Overview of essential equipment and software tools used to run vertical farms, including automation systems, climate control technologies, hydroponic systems, and data management software
  • Building and Planning Vertical Farms: Fundamentals of designing and constructing vertical farming systems, including site selection and infrastructure development
  • Growing and Harvesting within Vertical Farms: Best practices for planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops in controlled environments
  • Processes and Optimization: Techniques for optimizing agricultural processes to improve efficiency and yield
  • Production Management: Strategies for managing production schedules, inventory, and workflow in vertical farming operations
  • Troubleshooting Pests and Diseases: Identifying, preventing, and managing common pests and diseases in vertical farming setups
  • Sustainable Food Production: Approaches to sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impact and enhance food security
  • Health Canada Standards and Requirements: Understanding regulatory standards and compliance requirements for vertical farming operations
  • Transition from Outdoor to Vertical Farming: Supporting the mental and emotional adjustment from traditional farming to vertical farming environments
  • Marketing and Promotion: Effective strategies for marketing and promoting vertically farmed products
  • Profitability: Financial planning and analysis to ensure the economic viability of vertical farming operations
  • Leadership Development: Principles and practices that promote critical thinking, risk assessment and mitigation, teamwork, and overall productivity
  • Food Sovereignty: Principles and practices that support local food systems and community resilience.

     

    In-person visits to partner farms located within the GTA. 

    Work-Integrated Learning (hosted by the partner farms in collaboration with Humber Polytechnic and ACCES Employment)

Collaborative, employer-led simulated and actual workplace experience.

Targeted Job Search
Customized employment services featuring personal branding, networking, interviewing, and social media profiling (pre-scheduled online workshops)

Workplace Communications
Customized workplace communications coaching designed to enhance skills specific to teamwork, collaboration, productivity, conflict resolution, receiving and delivering feedback, change management, and industry compliance

Future Proofing

  • Growth Mindset
  • Creative Problem-solving
  • Design Thinking


Personalized Coaching
Flexible, one-to-one online sessions focusing on Personal Branding, Goal-Setting, Accountability, Personal Empowerment, and Skills Development

Micro-credentials
Participants earn five Humber Polytechnic micro-credentials aligned with critical industry roles and receive a shareable digital badge to validate their competencies

Program Benefits

Comprehensive Skill Development:
Participants will gain a wide range of technical skills through an instructor-led online course, resulting in earning a Humber Polytechnic micro-credential.

Real-World Experience:
The program provides experiential learning through collaborative group projects, equipping participants with practical skills relevant to agricultural technology within the vertical farming sector.

Career Preparation:
Customized employment services assist individuals to develop their personal branding, networking, interviewing, and social media profiling, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job search process

Effective Communication:
Pre-scheduled online workshops focus on workplace communication skills, helping participants communicate effectively in professional settings

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
Critical Thinking and Design Thinking workshops equip participants with an ability to adapt to evolving industry demands and generate solutions to workplace challenges

Individual Coaching:
Flexible one-to-one online coaching sessions provide personalized support, addressing individual needs and challenges

Industry Connections:
Targeted Jobs:  

  • Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030)
  • Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists (NOC 21112)
  • Biological Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22110)
  • Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)
  • Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)
  • Managers in Agriculture (NOC 80020)

Program Eligibility

  • Eligible to work in Canada
  • Minimum three years of paid or volunteer work experience
  • Keen interest in launching a career in the agricultural technology sector
  • OSSD or equivalent
  • Aptitude for math and science
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web applications
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills [equivalent to CLB 7]
  • Self-motivated with strong goal setting, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Program Dates

  • November 18, 2024 – March 23, 2025

Program Fees

There is no fee associated with this program.

Resources