In cooperation with industry players, the Livestock Development Branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture administers an apprenticeship style, on-farm skill-training program called the Green Certificate Program. This program has been adopted from Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development where it has been running since 1975. Trainees can acquire skills in one of several agricultural sectors, including feedlot, cow/calf, dairy, sheep, crop, irrigated crop production, and aerial application. In the aerial applicator sector, three levels of training are available covering skills for: Ground Crew Loader Technicians, Business Managers and Fixed Wing Aircraft operators. Program training starts at the Technician Level and, where desired, progresses to Supervisor and on to Business Manager. This program provides the key points to cover through practical, hands-on training. Why train? Training improves the profitability of the operation by improving technical skills and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours and production efficiency. Improved work ethic and work performance also result from the increase in self-esteem, job status, and image that result from training. Participants agree to: - Obtain all the necessary information and resources to complete the training process;
- Actively plan and carry out all the necessary on-the-job instruction and/or learning;
- Seek and utilize all available materials, resources, and courses to increase skills and knowledge;
- Regularly assess competence according to the training objectives outlined in the curriculum;
- Participate in regular program testing sessions.
Current resource materials were developed by the board members of the SAAA and CAAA. What are we looking for? In trainees, a sincere desire to develop or upgrade their skills. Trainees must possess basic skills in reading and writing and be at least 16 years old. Trainers supervise the trainee on a day-to-day basis, spend time in personal training and testing and have a genuine interest in effective staff management. A suitable training site has equipment and facilities to allow training on every core skill listed in the Green Certificate Aerial Applicators Program. The pilot must have a minimum of five years successful business experience in aerial application. The enterprise must be large enough to employ an apprentice trainee. In family businesses, family members are encouraged to apply.
The Green Certificate Program's objectives are: - To develop technical and managerial skills in those desiring to enter or continue a career in aerial aplication;
- To provide the means for certifying the achievement of skills by a formalized practical testing system;
- To develop and maintain a base of competent employees for the aerial application industry.
The Green Certificate Program currently covers several areas or skill profiles in agriculture, including cow/calf beef production, feedlot production, sheep production, dairy production, crop production, irrigated crop production and aerial application.
Training is structured around these seven skill profiles, which list all the competencies (skills or tasks) required for proficiency in a particular training area. In each of the agriculture areas, there are three levels of training: Level I: The first level is production technician training, which is on-the-job training focusing on the practical aspects. These skills are essential for basic employment on a Saskatchewan aerial application enterprise. Level II: The second level is business manager/supervisor training, which includes a mixture of on-the-job training and self study. This set of job skills is relatively complex and requires a significant amount of decision making ability, as well as physical dexterity. Level III: The third level is fixed wing aircraft. It is designed for training the pilot. The training is meant for individuals who will become major decision makers or owners/operators in the operation. This set of job skills is very complex and requires a significant amount of decision making ability, as well as physical dexterity. To summarize the program, participants receive a training curriculum representing the skills needed to obtain the Green Certificate. The trainee receives most of his or her training through apprenticeship-like, on-the-job training under a competent trainer-applicator. The trainer is also responsible for the major assessment of the trainee's proficiency in ground crew skills. The trainer signs off each skill as the trainees become competent. A Green Certificate tester will evaluate students to ensure verification of reliability, validity, and uniformity of the testing and training. Trainees are evaluated on the basis of the ability to demonstrate specific skills. The tester is a person who is currently in the industry at an aerial applicator level (performs or supervises the same tasks routinely) and is generally involved in the program as a trainer. Trainees progress at their own rate. Once all testing is complete and the trainee is tested by a tester other than the trainee's employer and is deemed competent in all skills, he or she will be awarded the appropriate level of the Green Certificate. Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is working in co-operation with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to deliver the Green Certificate Program. The specific skills which form the basis of the curriculum were identified by aerial applicators. Training content and acceptable standards of proficiency were also established with the majority of input from applicators. . Research has shown that training aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of employees can improve production, and positively affect the self-esteem and work ethic of the staff. The Green Certificate Program is committed to bringing these benefits to agriculture operations in Saskatchewan.
How do I enrol in the Green Certificate Program?
Please contact the SAAA office by email at administration@saaa.ca or by phone at 1-877-767-7222 to receive the three level manuals for the program. Once you have reviewed the material, applied the knowledge and feel you are ready to be evaluated please contact the SAAA office to arrange for a testing session. Once you have successfully completed the program a certificate will be issued by Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. What are the costs associated with the program?
3 training level manuals including shipping via Xpresspost $50.00
1 replacement manual including shipping via Xpresspost $25.00 It also costs employers time and facilities for on-the-job training, staff release time, and time to develop training skills.
Trainees are required to contribute time for training, and travel expenses for test days. | 
