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Get ready for a high-paced, intensive upskilling program that combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience. You’ll learn from industry experts in emerging technologies such as GIS, IoT, drones, AI, robotics, and big data.
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The Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist Program from Palette Skills consists of 130 hours of training, designed to get participants to the forefront of automation and digitization technologies in agricultural production and processing. The program’s goal is to get highly skilled workers ready to hit the ground by giving them the tools they need to identify, manage, and implement technological solutions across the agri-food value chain in the Prairies.
Our participants are trained by industry experts with hands-on, project-based learning in emerging technologies such as GIS, IoT, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data. Along the way, they develop a full suite of professional skills including project management, fundamentals of business development, problem-solving, and team-building.
Our program is a vital link between talented individuals seeking a career in agri-tech and the leading businesses in the Prairies.
Developed in collaboration with top agri-tech enterprises and academic partners, our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the industry and equip graduates with the latest automation and digitization technologies.
Our program offers practical experience, business and soft skills training, and a connection to the most innovative agri-tech businesses and start-ups in the region.
The Automation & Digital Agriculture Specialist Program is of 130 hours over 8 weeks.
The time commitment in the first week is ~2 hours per day of part time participation. This will require you to complete independent homework to prepare for Week 2 of the program.
This week requires live, full time, virtual participation on Zoom on Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 5:00pm.
The remaining 5 weeks require part time participation in technical workshops and career coaching that support your transition into being an automation and digital agriculture specialist and an independent job seeker.
Agro Business & Sales
Careers possible in this stream:
INDUSTRIAL TECHNICAL & PROFESSIONAL
Careers possible in this stream:
data Analyst & Programmer
Careers possible in this stream:
This includes a comprehensive range of topics that include basic tools and technologies, the ag supply chain, principles of sustainable agriculture, and Indigenous resource rights.
We cover a broad range of topics related to crop production, including principles of crop production, pest management, insects, weeds, and diseases. We also provide training in ag machinery, grain handling, storage, and automation, agri-food processing automation, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) methods for the system.
Our program delves into soil management crop fertility, and soil fertility management. We also explore soil and fertility management technologies to equip graduates with the latest tools and techniques to increase crop yields while maintaining soil health.
Our program provides a comprehensive introduction to precision agriculture, including remote sensing, GPS, and GIS technologies. We delve into guidance systems, variable rate, and auto-steer techniques to help farmers and businesses maximize their yields while minimizing resources. We also teach data management and mapping skills to enable graduates to make informed decisions based on real-time data analysis.
Our program covers a wide range of topics related to controlled environment agriculture (CEA), including sensors, robotics, machine learning, and AI. We also provide training in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone technologies that help farmers and businesses monitor crops and make informed decisions based on real-time data analysis.
Our program teaches agribusiness digital management tools to equip graduates with the skills to manage digital technologies and data-driven decision-making in the agricultural sector.
Our program provides training in a variety of business skills, including an introduction to agribusiness, project management, and sales/business relations, to prepare graduates for successful careers in the agricultural industry.
In addition to technical training, our program also emphasizes the development of essential career skills. Graduates will gain experience in project management, collaboration, problem-solving, business development, and job readiness to prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving agricultural industry.
Complete the full application form and follow instructions carefully.
Our Admissions Team will reach out to you if you've been selected for an interview.
We'll conduct a 30-minute Zoom interview and screening.
We will advise you if you have been accepted into the program!
There’s something contagious about passion when you come across it. That’s how we felt after speaking with Ismail Fatai, a recent participant in our Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist program!
At Palette Skills, we’ve always taken a broader view of upskilling and talent, because we know the upskilling journey is different for different people. That’s certainly what we learned when we sat down to speak with Rouvay Wilding, a recent participant in our digital agriculture program.
The sophisticated tech taught in Palette Skills’ Digital Agriculture Specialist Program is exciting. But it’s worthwhile remembering that no matter what kind of technology is involved, agriculture is about food, and about people. So we sat down one of the program’s alumni to get at the very human side of the story.
This is a very intense program intended to prepare people with the right foundational abilities and aptitude with the fundamental skills and knowledge required for a career in digital agriculture. If accepted into the program we expect that those who attend will commit not only to completing the intensive program but to doing homework and putting in the extra effort within and outside the program required to secure a role in the industry.
While class participation is important and valued, we completely understand that people may need to miss the occasional class. To accommodate for absenteeism, we record all lectures so that participants may watch them on their own time. Please note, at the end of each lecture there will be a quiz/assignment that participants must complete to successfully graduate from the program.
This program is for individuals ready to start a full-time career in the industry immediately after the program. It is not suitable if you are currently studying full time. If you have a few months to a year left of your ongoing studies, we recommend you apply for a future offering of the program.
If you’re committed to transition to a career in the agrifood industry, and to working with a different company and in a new role, and you can attend the two intensive weeks and six weeks of part-time sessions (including in-person sessions), you may be eligible to apply.
At this time the program is only available to residents of Saskatchewan & Alberta.
This program is for individuals who are residing in Saskatchewan or Alberta. If you are planning to move to Saskatchewan or Alberta, you are welcome to apply for the program when you will be there in-person.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early! The final deadline for applications is June 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM CST.
The program is 8 weeks long and has three phases.
Week 1 = Part time-week: June 12th to June 16th
The time commitment in the first week is ~3 hours per day of part time participation. This will require you to complete independent homework to prepare for Week 2 of the program.
Week 2 & 3 = Full time week: June 19th to June 30, Monday to Friday, 9-5pm
This week requires live, full time, virtual participation on Zoom.
Week 4-8: Part time-week
The remaining 5 weeks require part time participation in technical workshops and career coaching that support your transition into being an automation and digital agriculture specialist and an independent job seeker.
The application process consists of two main steps. 1. Check the eligibility criteria required and submit an application for the program. 2. If selected, attend an interview where we will assess your fit for the program through discussion on interest for the program, behavioral discussion and verbal skill assessment.
We’re looking for people who have foundational training in computer literacy and are comfortable with numeracy and technology who are passionate about transitioning or upskilling to a career in the automation digital agriculture industry. Individuals from many backgrounds can be a fit for the program. We care a lot about the program fit.
Yes. Interviews are recorded to assist with application decisions.
Think of the interview like it’s for a job. Dress business casual, and make sure your background is professional. If selected for an interview you will be asked to prepare an assignment to present. This allows us to get an understanding of your interest in and knowledge of the subject area.
Applicants are invited to the interview stage based on several criteria including transferable skills, goal alignment and communication skills. Although the online application for the program is brief, it’s important to respond thoughtfully, in detail, and in full sentences to the questions asked.
Applying to the Automation and Digital Agricultural Specialist program is easy! The application form begins with short questions you can answer with a click. Next, you’ll be asked a few short answer questions designed to find out more about you, and what drives you. Answer each of these questions in no more than 100 to 200 words. You’ll also be asked to upload a current resume, and then you’re ready to click on the submit button.
There is NO fee to apply, but if you are selected to join the Automation and Digital Agricultural Specialist Program, you must pay a program fee of $150.00 CAD + tax, payable by credit, cash, or e-transfer.
You don’t need to include reference letters to apply for the program. If you are selected for an interview, and you think a reference letter will help us understand why you are a great fit for the program, let us know!
We will assess your English skills in your application, and during the interview. We don’t require documentation on any proficiency tests that you have taken. Make sure your proficiency is reflected in your written and spoken answers. You can use a number of free tools to help check for spelling or grammar errors before you apply.
Make sure you apply before the start date of the program you’re interested in.
Applications received after program start dates will be added to a waitlist for a future program offering.
Please try using a different device or browser to submit your application. If this does not resolve your issue, please contact us at agtech@paletteskills.org.
These are the main reasons why applications for the Automation and Digital Agriculture Specialist program are rejected:
If you would like more information about your particular application file and outcome, please email agtech@paletteskills.org and a member of our team will be happy to connect with you.
Great question! Once you’ve submitted your application, you can make any changes within 24 hours. Email agtech@paletteskills.org with your full name and contact information, and include any changes you would like to make to your application.
If you have not heard back from our team within 5 standard business days, please check your spam folder. If you have not received anything, reach out and we will provide you with an update: agtech@paletteskills.org.
During the first week, you will be required to attend online workshops to review your resume, linkedin profile, elevator pitch, etc. to be ready for applying for jobs. During the second and third week of the course, you will be required to attend online classes and complete project work from 9-5pm Monday through Friday. During the rest of the five weeks of the course on evenings and weekends, you will be required to collaborate with coaches and the program team to apply for jobs and seek required support from the program team (these exact dates are currently being finalized).
You can expect 10 hours of team or individual reading and homework each intensive week and 5 to 8 hours for each of the part time weeks. Assignments are designed to reflect actual tasks you may be asked to complete on the job.
The program has been valued at $8,000 CAD, and includes the many events, activities, facilitators, and partners who take part in the program.
No. Participants do receive a certificate of completion, as well as top-level training and connections with industry. The sole goal of this program and primary reason to apply is to provide you the tools and support needed to launch a career in the Agri-Food Technology Industry following program completion.
Palette Skills’ programs are demand-driven and designed in partnership with industry and academic leaders. Extensive discussions and design sessions with employers, and academic and industry partners as well as research regarding current and future labour market projections have helped shape the program content with individual assignments mirroring what will be expected of employees in the workplace.
You must have access to a laptop or desktop with a good internet connection in order to fully participate in the program.
Digital Agriculture is an exciting and growing industry. Palette Skills gets you ready for all kinds of rewarding careers in the field. Some examples of job titles include Precision Agriculture Specialist, Precision Agronomist, Data Analyst, Regional sales manager, etc.
We are in the third cohort of the program currently.
This is an intense program designed to prepare people with the right foundational abilities and aptitude with the top-level skills and knowledge required for a career in agrifood and digital agriculture. If accepted to the program, we expect you to commit to a high level of performance, completing the assignments, and putting in extra effort within and outside the program. We are confident that this kind of commitment, combined with our innovative curriculum, will secure you a successful career in the industry.
The program will be mostly online; workshops & lectures will be online. There will be in-person sessions for hands-on training and networking opportunities. You will be notified ahead of time for the in-person activities.
While class participation is important and valued, we understand that people may have to miss the occasional class. We record all lectures so that participants can watch them on their own time. At the end of each lecture there will be a quiz/assignment that participants must complete to successfully graduate from the program.
We have a council of employers associated with the program in different ways. We have working relationships with employers of Saskatchewan & Alberta including but not limited to KPMG, Precision AI, Parametrics Ag, BASF, Lucent Biosciences, Nutrien, etc.
You will be learning about digital agricultural practice in the prairies (Saskatchewan & Alberta) including but not limited to Ag supply chain, Principles of sustainable agriculture, Indigenous Resource Rights, Principles of Crop Production, Irrigation & Water Management, Ag Machinery, Post-Harvest/Food- Processing, Soil Management & crop fertility, Introduction to agri-business, Precision agriculture, Remote Sensing, GPS, GIS, IoT, sensors, robotics, machine learning, AI, Drones, Project management, Controlled Environment Agriculture, etc. To learn more about the curriculum, please reach out to the program team through our email (agtech@paletteskills.org)
Applications to the program close on June 2, 2023 at 12:00PM CST. The first day of the training is June 12th, 2023. To be fully enrolled in the program, you must pay 2 days prior to the start of the cohort.
We are enrolling candidates residing within Saskatchewan & Alberta and ideally you will be applying for jobs in Saskatchewan or Alberta. If you have any location constraint, you can apply for the jobs that are within your convenient zone.
There is no compensation for attendance to in-person sessions. Our participants are provided with demos, event access, and on-site training. These are all key parts of the program. Please let our team know if there are financial barriers prohibiting you from full participation in our program.
There is no guaranteed job after the program. We are confident that your commitment, combined with our innovative curriculum, will secure you a successful career in the industry. We make connections with hiring partners from across Saskatchewan & Alberta, and you’ll be learning from industry leaders in workshops led by professionals in agtech. In addition, you can expect to participate in networking events with hiring managers from established agtech companies.
We work with program participants to help them transition into new roles. Program staff check in with participants up to 6 months after completion of the program. We are committed to a placement rate of 75%.
Throughout the program we focus on professional skills training that prepares you for success in your new career. This training includes 1:1 coaching, résumé and cover letter review, interview practice, LinkedIn coaching, networking support, and more. We also connect you with industry professionals and hiring managers in the field through networking events, panel discussions, and guest speaker sessions.
Yes, we can arrange a car-pool for you to attend in-person sessions. Sometimes there can be arrangements of transportation depending on the distance and need.
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