Profiling the learner market in agriculture and agri-food in Canada : Portrait du marché des étudiants dans le domaine de l'agriculture et l'agroalimentaire au Canada

Alberta Prepared by: The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) In partnership with: Making A Difference December 2003 Profiling the Learner Market in Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada This report is the result of research conducted into the agriculture and agri-food sector, the learners within that sector and the learning opportunities available to them through Canada’ [...] Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Faced with important changes affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector across the country, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada commissioned the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology to conduct a national study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the trends within the learner population. [...] The results of the study were meant to inform on constructing the types of learning opportunities that will address the needs of the current and emerging agriculture and agri-food industries, and assisting in developing approaches targeted at attracting good students to agriculture related studies. [...] The findings of this report are presented in five parts: Ø Part I – description of the research, the scope of the project and methodology, Ø Part II – overview of the sector itself and the major trends, Ø Part III – examination of current and potential learners within the labour force, Ø Part IV – description of learning opportunities and recent enrolment trends, Ø Part V - summary of opportunitie [...] Introduction These changes in the agriculture and agri-food sector are already having a significant impact on the knowledge and skill requirements of the labour force which, in turn will impact on the demand for learning opportunities for career entry and continuing education.