Pilot Horticulture Upskill Program

Last updated on August 17, 2023

The Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan recommended actions to investigate opportunities for the Tree Fruit and Wine Grape industries to access and retain qualified domestic and foreign workers.

This pilot project will assess the efficacy of a training program that provides tangible upskill opportunities for agricultural workers employed by the tree fruit and wine grape industries.

Program overview

Okanagan College is delivering a Horticulture Upskill Program to workers employed by the tree fruit or wine grape industries. Course fees, exams, and course materials for eligible agricultural workers that complete the program will be fully covered. Two English cohorts will be offered in September and October, 2023, and a Spanish translator will be present during the February 2024 cohort to assist Spanish speaking participants.

Program course list (part time delivered over 5 weeks):

Expand All | Collapse All

Agriculture Pesticide Applicators Training (4 days)

This course is of interest for persons applying pesticides or seeking employment in the industry. Management of common insect, disease and weed problems will be reviewed. Topics covered include product labels, safe handling, legislation, practice questions for calibration, low-impact pesticides and non-pesticide methods of control.

Emergency First Aid with CPR (1 day)

This eight-hour course provides training in basic First Aid and includes CPR. Learn self-help or first help of an injured patient and how to stabilize the patient until more trained help arrives. Video, lectures and practical training cover bleeding control, artificial respiration, examining an unconscious patient and choking. A WorkSafe BC certificate will be issued upon successful completion. You must be at least 16 years of age.

Forklift Truck Operator (2 days)

This 16-hour course will take the operator through the safe operating techniques of a forklift and make them aware of the industry standard for safe forklift operations. No previous experience necessary.

Small Engine Repair (2 days)

Learn about ignition, compression, starting systems, valves, timing and governors in this workshop that blends theory and hands-on experience. Participants will have the opportunity to work on their lawnmowers, generators and weed eaters – practically any two and four stroke engine.

Tractor Maintenance (3 days)

Okanagan College is developing new curriculum for a tractor maintenance course, focusing on diesel tractors less than 100 hp. Topics will include:

Tractor safety (legislation, hazards, operating on slopes, safety principles, inspections, safe use of implements)
Tractor components and maintenance (ie. spring start up, pre-checks and diagnostics, winterizing)
Basic electrical and hydraulics
Diesel engine fundamentals, service, repairs

When:

English Program

Cohort 1: September 4 – October 6, 2023
Cohort 2: September 18 – October 20, 2023

Spanish Program
Cohort 3: February 26 – March 29, 2024

Where:

Okanagan College Kelowna Campus, 1000 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8

Application period

Applications open

August 17, 2023: All cohorts

Applications close:

August 24, 2023: Cohort 1
September 4, 2023: Cohort 2
February 1, 2024: Cohort 3

How:

For employers:

Enroll workers in the program by submitting an online application form.
After applications close, the program will provide a list of employee names successfully registered in the program and the course schedule.
Please note: Full attendance and successful completion of the program is required. If an employee fails to complete the program, the employer must reimburse Okanagan College $1,450 to cover the costs of the program for that worker.

For workers:

Once you are successfully registered in the program, your employer will receive an email with the program schedule including start dates, times, and locations for each course.
All course materials will be provided on the first day of each course.

Eligibility requirements:

Tree fruit and grape growers and workers
Employers must be a registered BC farm business

Ineligible participants

Workers who are not currently employed by the tree fruit or wine grape industries

Enroll today

Complete an online application form

FAQ:

Expand All | Collapse All

1. How will eligibility be determined?

All tree fruit and grape growers registered as a BC farm business are eligible for this program. Sole proprietors can register themselves or their employees by submitting an online application form. The program will confirm registration after all applications have been reviewed.

2. How many workers will this program support?

The pilot program will support 48 participants through the delivery of 3 cohorts. Each cohort has a maximum capacity of 16 participants.

3. How will the ministry identify participants if more than 16 participants register for a given cohort?

If a cohort is over subscribed enrollment will be assigned as first come first served and will be capped at 3 participants per business for that cohort.

4. Can I apply for multiple cohorts?

Yes. Businesses can apply to multiple cohorts by completing the online application form.

5. Is the program open to Temporary Foreign Workers or seasonal residents?

Yes, temporary foreign seasonal agricultural workers and seasonal residents are eligible for the program.

6. Can I take a selection of the courses rather than all 5?

No. Participants are required to complete all courses in the program. If an employee does not show up or complete a course, the employer that submitted the application must reimburse Okanagan College for all costs of the program for that worker. The cost of the program is $1,450 per participant.

More topics