Internationally Educated Agrologist Project
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The Ontario Institute of Agrologists (OIA) functions under an Act of the Ontario Legislature dating back to 1962. There are over 10,000 licensed agrology practitioners across Canada and an Institute of Agrology in each province. Each Institute has the legal and legislative mandate to oversee the profession to protect the public interest and ensure high quality standards and ethics within the professional activities of licensed members.
With the public’s increasing need for involvement and protection within the agriculture, agri-life science and agri-food system, the demand for licensed Agrologists is increasing. As change within the agriculture industry becomes more integrated with bio-technology, environment, health and consumerism, it creates more and new demand on manpower, knowledge, skill and experience. Canada’s vibrant agricultural industry needs more licensed professionals and the internationally educated are poised to fill this void.International trained agrologists bring extensive skills, education and experience to Ontario. The OIA was funded by the Province of Ontario for a pilot offering of the Internationally Educated Professional Agrologists (IEPA) Project. The funding covered a three-year period and provided $1.125 million dollars. This was the first of its kind in agrology Canada. This pilot project completed in December 2008. The Project saw 245 people completing applications to the program and 138 receiving their Articling Agrologist (A.Ag.) and Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designations. Of the persons who received their “licensure” 72 people obtained employment in the agriculture sector. Evaluation documentation submitted to the Ontario government identified that Project participants possess the capacity to engage within the agriculture, agri-life science and agri-food sectors once barriers are addressed.In the spring of 2009, the OIA was notified that the organization was accepted for an additional funding. This renewal of the IEPA Project emphasizes on providing Project participants targeted supports and services to achieve their employment objectives. These supports and services include specific language training, prior learning assessment, professionalism and ethics workshop, job connect resources, as well as workplace practices orientation.
What has been said about the IEPA Project:
“My sincere thanks are also due for all the help, support, guidance and encouragement.” “It’s a dream come true situation for me and I mean it. I am looking forward to contribute to the field of Agrology and Food.” “Thank you very much for your help. I am so happy for your guidance. You are a great shepherd!.” “I could not stop myself after reading this (resource) article to say THANK YOU for motivating us. This is of utmost importance to many of us. Thanks once again and keep motivating please.” “Thank you, I feel more charged and duty bound to the country than ever before.” “I am happy that your Institute sponsored this class and provided me a valuable opportunity to update my English as well as networking.”
What has been said about having the designation of Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.):
“This designation provided a big confidence while applying for job. As result of this designation I got several interviews for a job in the agriculture sector as it shows that I am current in my profession. This designation along with other qualifications helped me get a Job with a conservation authority commensurate with my skills and education.” “The designation of P.Ag really supported my professional profile and played a major roll in his company’s management decision to offer me a promotion.” “Being A.Ag resonated on my resume, which landed me a job that comes with big responsibility and expectation. I am so glad that I got to know about the OIA and really got involved by attending workshops and asking questions when needed. I would not have spent all that money paying tuition and time if I had known OIA to exist.”
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