Loyalist College introduces its first cannabis career launch micro-credential

Belleville, Ontario, February 8, 2021 – Loyalist College’s new three-week Cannabis Career Launch program welcomed its first cohort of 12 participants on January 25. Designed to increase employment prospects and mobility, this short, intensive micro-credential is ideal for job seekers and incumbent workers in the cannabis sector who are ready for entry-level industry training.

Focused on hands-on cannabis production, safety and workplace communication, the College’s SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) pilot project is free, includes a paid two-week industry placement and is funded in part by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

The next intake for Loyalist College’s Cannabis Career Launch micro-credential is Monday, March 15. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jay Taugher, Project Lead, at jtaugher@loyalistcollege.com.

Quotes

“Giving people the skills they need to fill jobs in their community is essential to helping them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Micro-credential and short-duration training programs help people learn new skills quickly to prepare for in-demand career opportunities. I want to thank Loyalist College for stepping up to keep people across the Bay of Quinte region at the forefront of Ontario’s economy.” – Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development

“Through Loyalist College’s Cannabis Career Launch micro-credential, individuals will learn about quality control and cannabis legislations and regulations. They will quickly earn the skills for which local small and medium-sized enterprises are looking to bring cannabis 2.0 products to market. We are grateful for the continued support of the Government of Ontario, and that of our industry partners. Together, we will position program participants for success as they pursue careers in cannabis, helping to address significant skills gaps in this burgeoning sector.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO

“We are proud to support the Cannabis Career Launch program to help job seekers gain industry knowledge and experience to begin a fulfilling career in the cannabis industry. Loyalist College is a valued partner in developing a highly-skilled cannabis workforce that is positioned for long-term success in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic industries.” – Sébastien St-Louis, HEXO Corp. Co-Founder & CEO

“The Cannabis Career Launch program was designed to help participants stand out to employers in the cannabis space. As an employer who is actively hiring, we look favourably on candidates who have put forth the extra effort to get basic industry knowledge and training. The cannabis industry is still in its infancy and will continue to experience exponential growth for years to come.” – Tyler LeBlanc, apollogreen Co-Founder and Director

About Loyalist College

Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1  in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, Loyalist College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536