The Introduction to Canola Crushing Careers program’s first intake will be exclusively Indigenous students
A new program at a Saskatchewan postsecondary school is preparing students for careers in canola processing.
The Introduction to Canola Crushing Careers program at Suncrest College provides learners with skills and knowledge to succeed in the sector.
The 12-week program started on Jan. 13 and will tun to April 11.
“Newcomers to the field will gain practical information about oilseed and oil processing in Canada,” the program’s page says. “You will learn about the wide range of careers in this industry and the many opportunities for career growth. Resume building, industry certifications, work placement and more!”
Students will learn about multiple facets of canola and its processing.
This includes canola and oilseeds in general, learning the crushing process and about why this industry is thriving in Canada.
And the industry is indeed performing well.
In 2023, Canadian oilseed processors crushed a record 10,522,947 tonnes of canola, up 20 per cent from 2022.
This increase came “because of high prices and increased exports of canola oil,” Stats Canada says, adding that domestic crushers accounted for almost half of the total disposition of canola in the 2022/2023 crop year.
The Introduction to Canola Crushing Careers program is a collaboration between Suncrest College and the Yorkton Tribal Council.
Because of this, the first intake of 12 to 15 students will be exclusively from Indigenous communities. The school has plans to expand the program to the public.
Greg Tomcala, the school’s applied research coordinator, is the program instructor.
Students will receive the curriculum in two phases.
The first is a general course about employment in crush plants. The second will provide deeper learning on topics like power engineering.
“With this knowledge base, the students are now the ideal candidates for positions within the Canadian oilseed crushing industry,” he said in a statement.
Anyone enrolled in the program can find canola crushing and other ag job opportunities at AgCareers.com.