Countless farm kids have obtained off-farm jobs over the years because of their background.
Employers snapped them up, recognizing their work ethic and independence.
But without formal education, a farm background is not always good enough any more.
“Before, these skills were really valued and recognized,” said Bob Guest, a Denholm, Sask., farmer and agricultural representative on the Saskatchewan Labor Force Development Board.
“Now society says you have to have this piece of paper.”
He said this is a big problem, especially for older farmers looking to either supplement their declining farm income or leave the farm.
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The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition program unveiled by the board this month hopes to change that.
As well as formal education, the program looks at what a person knows and can do, and recognizes the skills and knowledge acquired through community and volunteer work, on-the-job training and other experience.
“We are not talking about inferior qualifications, but about the recognition of equitable qualifications,” said project co-chair Barb Byers.
Glenn Hagel, Saskatchewan’s post-secondary education minister, said the project is the right thing to do.
“We are giving credit where credit is due.”
People can’t afford to spend time learning what they already know to obtain a certificate, Hagel said.
Guest said that is especially true for farmers.
He said someone 57 years old who decides to quit farming could use this program to obtain a certificate based on prior learning, or to at least reduce the amount of courses, time and money needed to get that certification.
“Otherwise, you’d be back to square one at 57 years old.”
Farmers have mechanical, carpentry and computer skills, Guest said. They can weld and operate heavy equipment. Those who have looked after animals might get credit toward veterinary assistant courses.
Project manager Grant MacTavish said people who want an assessment should visit their local Canada-Saskat-chewan Career and Employment Services Centre.
“You should have an idea of what you want to do,” he said.
The 18-month project is aimed at all Saskatchewan workers and has a budget of $745,000.
The federal government is funding $470,740, and the province, labor force development board and other partners are providing $275,000.
