RESOURCES

About Agri-foods

Agri-food refers to all of the food supply chain including agriculture, production, manufacturing, processing and transportation.

Get started on your Agri-food learning journey and explore the many career pathways available in the sector.

1. thinkAG
   1. thinkAG is a collection of teaching resources and outreach tools that encourage students and jobseekers in Grades 5-12 to explore and get curious about the myriad of career opportunities in agriculture and food.
   2. Explore the many jobs across Canada’s food systems now!


2. Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
   1. Canada’s Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food offers initiatives which promote innovation and competitiveness in this sector. Explore this government page to learn more about funding and initiatives across Canada.


3. Agri-food Pilot | Immigration
   1. This pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and with specific occupations in Agri-food.
   2. Explore the industries to see how a career in Agri-food could help fast-track your stay in Canada.

Information Session Recording

Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades Opportunities

Apprenticeships are an incredible way to advance your career.

Not sure where to start? Check out a snapshot of Apprenticeship pathways in Ontario

You can find out more about certification and various opportunities via the below resources.

1. Red Seal Trades
   1. The Red Seal Program develops national standards and examinations, in conjunction with industry, for certain trades that are common to most jurisdictions.
   2. Explore the Red Seal Trades here.


2. Skilled Trades Ontario
   1. Looking for a 1-stop shop to all things Ontario skilled trades? Look no further. Find trade information and apprenticeship resources, such as training standards and curriculum standards, by searching for and selecting a trade with the following link.


3. Construction Training & Apprenticeship Ontario (CTAO)
   1. Construction Training & Apprenticeship Ontario (CTAO) provides exploration, education and apprenticeship application opportunities in the skilled trades, targeting Explorers, Pre-Apprentices and Apprentices. Learn more.

Agri-food Education in Ontario

Ontario has 24 publicly funded Colleges and 22 Universities, offering more than 2000 programs across all career pathways. The following programs open the door to rewarding careers in many of today’s most in-demand fields, including Agri-food.

Not sure where to start? Check out a snapshot of Agri-food Education programs in Canada.

1. Professional Butchery Techniques Certificate (Fanshawe College)
2. Greenhouse Technician Diploma (Niagara College)
3. Veterinary Technician programme (Collège Boréal)
4. Environmental Technician Diploma (Algonquin College)
5. Agriculture Diploma (Ridgetown Campus)
6. Plant Science program (University of Guelph)
7. Food Science certificate (University of Guelph)
8. Food Industry Management Degree (University of Guelph)
9. Cheese Maker Certificate (University of Guelph)

Training Opportunities – Location dependent

Ready to kick-start your career in Agri-foods? Explore the following free opportunities to gain skills for your life-long career.

Please note: these offerings are a snapshot of available opportunities to gain experience in the Agri-foods industry. Stay connected to First Work’s social media to stay tuned on additional opportunities.

The following opportunities are virtual:

1. Restaurant Essentials (Virtual)
2. CareersNow! Job Ready Skills Training (Virtual training)

The following opportunities are in-person:

1. Restaurant Ready! (Toronto In-person training)
2. Fast Track Distilled (Toronto In-person training)
3. On The Line Culinary Training (Toronto In-person training)
4. Food and Beverage Accelerated Skills Training Program (FAST) - Hamilton or Halton region (Burlington, Milton, Oakville)
5. Elevate: Job Training for Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector