Niagara College to offer Canada’s first postsecondary credential in Commercial Cannabis Production

CalyxCrusher

Well-Known Member
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/09/19/1124821/0/en/Niagara-College-to-offer-Canada-s-first-postsecondary-credential-in-Commercial-Cannabis-Production.html




Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Sept. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Responding to a need for skilled graduates who are knowledgeable in the complex regulations and requirements of an emerging industry, Niagara College will launch a Graduate Certificate program in Commercial Cannabis Production in 2018 – Canada’s first postsecondary credential in the production of commercial cannabis.



The program, which was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development over the summer, would prepare graduates to work in the licensed production of Cannabis, which is used as a therapeutic drug (Marijuana); fiber (Hemp) and as a source for seed oil (Hempseed).

“We’re a pre-emptive college, and one of our key strengths is our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging industries, trends and labour-market needs,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “The Commercial Cannabis Production program reflects the College’s mandate to develop responsive applied learning programs that address industry needs – much like our Commercial Beekeeping, Culinary Innovation, Renewable Energy Technician and other programs.”

“Driven by legislative changes in Canada and abroad, there is a growing labour market need, and education will be a key component of the success of this emerging industry,” said Al Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies. “This program will produce graduates who are skilled and knowledgeable Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Technicians who are also trained in all of the procedures, requirements, regulations and standards for this industry.”

“There is a tremendous demand for knowledgeable, skilled workers in this highly technical industry,” said Roger Ferrreira, CEO of Beleave, Inc., in Hamilton, ON. “Niagara College having the vision to fill this knowledge gap is commendable.”

The production of cannabis is a very highly regulated process, with very strict government regulations. Niagara College’s program will conform to all regulations and requirements, including providing a separate and highly secure learning environment/growing facility.

The Commercial Cannabis Production program is a one-year post-grad program open to students with a diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental science/resource studies, horticulture or natural sciences, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

The program will be located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, which is home to the College’s other agri-business programs, facilities and research projects. The initial intake for the program is scheduled for Fall, 2018. For further program and application information visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/ccp.

Currently celebrating its 50th year as a College of Applied Arts and Technology, NC is a leader in applied education and a key contributor to the economies of Niagara and Ontario. A regional college with global reach, NC offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs. Visit niagaracollege.ca.
 

GroErr

Well-Known Member
Sure, but will they be passing on actual product knowledge or just a bunch more FUD?
They want to make sure that LP's eventually have a pool of cheap student labour. They'll have an apprenticeship program where the Ontario government (out of our pockets) will pay the majority of their wage and the LP's will get $5 an hour labour.

This is all in their plans to maintain MJBO pot at or below $10/gram while paying the unionized government bud tenders $30/hour. No guff, really, read it on the interweb ;)
 

driel

Well-Known Member
You're still better off taking a proper horticultural diploma if you want to learn in a structured way and will give you more prospects than being relegated to LP weed production. I would be wary of any place offering classes that aren't taught by a proven master grower.
 

itsmehigh

Well-Known Member
you don't think they exist?
Those are big boots to fill in cannabis, "master" insinuates to me that they have mastered the art of growing cannabis, and have essentially learned or know everything about everything on the subject of cannabis.
From my experience most "Master Growers" are self described. It's one thing to claim to "be" a master grower and another to be called a "Master Grower" by your peers. I've been exclusively cultivating cannabis steady for 30 years, personally and professionally. I still try and learn every day. IMO cannabis is still in its infancy, and there's much more to learn by everybody, including the Masters. It's a huge red flag for me when anybody claims to be a master grower.

Itsme.
 

driel

Well-Known Member
fair enough, I meant it from the point of view of someone having that knowledge to impart on those wanting to learn and not some high and mighty individual. Personally I'm still new to it and know I would benefit greatly from working with or learning from someone with experience. That's how I learned so many skills in life as there's only so much you can go off with just reading.
 

Photon Flinger

Well-Known Member
You're still better off taking a proper horticultural diploma if you want to learn in a structured way and will give you more prospects than being relegated to LP weed production. I would be wary of any place offering classes that aren't taught by a proven master grower.
Degree. At least for the horticultural aspects.

This just looks to be a specialization for the regulation side as was mentioned before. You need a relevant degree first. Guelph, U of Man, Acadia are all great choices for an undergrad degree where they have agriculture programs.

Contrary to what you black market folks think you don't need any special knowledge to grow this plant. It is much harder to get Kentucky blue grass to grow well.

Think you have good growing skills then try wasabi. It is the next cash crop if you can get it right.
 
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