Cannabis Production Worker Training & Recruitment Program / SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO)
Budding Opportunities in the Growing Cannabis Sector
The entry-level Cannabis Production Worker Training & Recruitment Program provides job seekers with industry training that enhances skill sets, productivity, safety, and workplace communication while increasing job prospects and job mobility for workers in the Cannabis industry – all in a practical learning environment.
Program Details
In addition to pre-employment, safety and technical training, the program includes knowledge of the Cannabis Act under Health Canada regulations and guidelines.
Training includes, but is not limited to:
- Health & Safety Training
- Cannabis Legislation & Regulations (incl. Cannabis Act)
- Cannabis Production: Farm Labour, Trimming, etc.
- Quality Control & Product Packaging
- Workplace Communication
- Industry Exploration & Career Planning
- Paid Industry Work Placement
Hours
Full-time hours are required (30-40 hours per week). The program will run Monday to Friday, and hours will vary between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for the duration of the training. A course schedule will be provided prior to the start of training.
Cost
There is no cost to participate in this program. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from training sites, as well as food and living expenses.
Location
Online workshops will be delivered where necessary, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Jobs and paid work placements will be available across the province upon request.
Program Eligibility
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
- Currently unemployed, working less than 20 hours per week, or in a precarious (or unsteady) work situation
- Available to participate in full-time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) for the program's duration.
Program Application
Applications for the Cannabis Production Worker program are now open for Southwest Ontario. Training will begin in March 2022.
If you are interested in the Hamilton program, we encourage you to sign up for our wait list, pending funding approval.
Southwest Ontario Program
Questions About the Cannabis Production Worker Training Program?
Information for Employers
Are you an employer or industry professional interested in participating in the Cannabis Production Worker Training & Recruitment Program? We invite you to participate in several ways.
- Contribute to curriculum development
- Join the Advisory Committee (with representatives from education, government and employer community)
- Hire or mentor a student
- Appear as a guest (virtually or in person)
- Lead a site visit/tour of your operations (virtually or in person)
- Participate in podcasts/interviews.
Benefits to Employer Partners
- Save time & money on training entry-level workers by tapping into government funds to create an industry training program.
- Increase the productivity and efficiency of new workers through cross-training on practical, entry-level roles.
- Promote your organization through guest appearances, site tours and interviews.
- Gain access to a pool of skilled, passionate job seekers!
Contact us today to learn more about becoming an employer partner!
Email: cannabis@careerfoundation.org | Phone: 416-821-3487
Funders and Partners
The Cannabis Production Worker Training & Recruitment Program is made possible through the SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) pilot project, with funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. As a sector-focused workforce development pilot, SAO supports partnerships that bring together employers with employment and training providers. The goal is to develop a pool of job-ready, skilled workers that meet employers’ workforce development needs.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada; must be currently unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week on average, or in a precarious (or unsteady) work situation; and be available to commit to full-time program hours for the duration of the program.
Applicants must complete and submit the Online Application Form, then attend a Cannabis Production Worker Training & Recruitment Program Information Session. Those who are eligible and suitable will be invited to attend an interview to assess whether the Cannabis Worker Recruitment & Training Program is a good fit.
Training in Hamilton will take place at 100 James Street South, Unit 7, Hamilton, Ontario. The training location in London, Ontario is to be determined. However, online training will be provided in lieu of COVID-19. Jobs and paid work placements will be available in various locations and based upon the needs of employers.
There is no cost to participate in the program. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from training and employment sites, as well as living expenses such as food and rent.
The first training session will run during the Spring and Summer of 2022, and the second session will run during Summer and Fall of 2022. Applicants will be able to choose their preferred training session for convenience.
The program will operate Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and requires full-time hours (30-40 hours per week). The course is broken down into the following components:
- Pre-Employment Workshops – 2 weeks
- Health & Safety Training – 1 week
- Technical Skills Training – 5 weeks
- Job Preparation / Placement Workshops – 1 week
- Post-Employment Follow Ups – 52 Weeks
Training includes:
- Health & Safety Training
- Science of Cannabis
- Cannabis Growing, Sanitation and Cultivation Processes
- Quality Assurance in the Cannabis Industry
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Résumé Writing and Interview Preparation
- Career Planning and Coaching
- Paid Industry Work Placement
The program is intended to recruit, train and prepare entry-level workers to secure and retain employment in a variety of positions including, but not limited to: trimming, packaging, sanitation, quality control, horticulture labourer, etc.
- Strong cannabis odours
- Exposure to heat and humidity in indoor greenhouse conditions
- Extended exposure to bright lights
- Being on one’s feet for 8 hours at a time
- Physical labour – standing, bending, walking, lifting 40 lbs
- Repetitive tasks requiring great attention to detail
- Working in outdoor conditions, exposure to outdoor elements
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
- Being clean shaven (men)
- Wearing hairnets
- Not wearing makeup
- Not wearing nail polish.
