As a long-time supporter of Palette Skills, and in particular its Digital Agriculture Specialist program, EMILI is pleased that the program will expand to Manitoba in 2025, benefitting Manitobans with diverse skills interested in upskilling to agricultural positions, as well as the industry and economy. 

“One of EMILI’s priorities is to address skills and labour gaps in the agriculture sector,” said Rachel LeClair, Manager of Skills and Talent at EMILI. “We are thrilled that Palette Skills is bringing its Digital Agriculture Specialist program to our province and that Manitobans will have the opportunity to upskill and continue to thrive in digital agriculture careers.”

The program, which launched in Saskatchewan in 2022, then expanded to Alberta in 2023, is an 8-week intensive upskilling course that combines theoretical learning and practical hands-on experience in emerging technologies for people mid-career who are looking to advance or build on their existing skills. The curriculum is taught by industry experts who support and prepare participants for in-demand roles in the sector. Key career paths include operations, ag sales and agribusiness, and industry and technical positions. To date, 170 people have upskilled their careers in digital agriculture.

Palette Skills Program Manager Morag Morison told the Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table about the program’s expansion into Manitoba at the table’s October meeting.

“There is a need for digital skills within this sector,” Morison said, “One of the things we are looking at is what do we need to do to meet the demands of the Manitoba market?I

The Manitoba Digital Agriculture Table is a unique stakeholder group of diverse voices in the sector, made up of members from academia and industry. Members of the table were encouraged to share their thoughts with Morison during the October meeting, and have an additional opportunity to share their thoughts through a survey prior to the program’s 2025 launch.

Learn more about the Digital Agriculture Specialist program and join the waitlist here