Participating in WIL complements “traditional” class-based learning by providing students with opportunities to make connections, learn new skills, and gain knowledge about career paths you might not be aware of. WIL can help students develop the required skills to successfully transition from an academic program into the workforce.
Digital agriculture is an exciting industry with opportunities for everyone! No agriculture experience is needed – just a willingness to learn and try new things! The most sought after skill sets in the digital agriculture industry include:
ICTC’s Sustainable Agriculture course is an online course for post-secondary students. This three month course is designed to help students gain an understanding about sustainable agriculture practices, agribusiness, agri-technology, and much more.
Students already in ICTC’s WIL Digital Program can register. Those students not in the WIL Digital Program must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person who is enrolled at a Canadian accredited post-secondary institution.
This course allows students to develop their agriculture digital skills that align with employer needs. Students who participate in this course receive a certificate upon successful completion and gain access to ICTC’s job search resources for future opportunities. Students benefit from this course by enhancing their work-ready skills and expanding their network with live sessions from experts in the industry and other WIL students across Canada. Check ICTC’s website for the next registration period.
Entering the workforce directly after school with no prior industry experience can be daunting; WIL opportunities can help bridge the gap between school to work, allowing for a smoother transition. Students who participate in WIL gain workplace experience and career readiness skills, which generally makes them more employable upon graduation.
Antonio De Luca interned at EMILI for the summers of 2023 and 2024. His passion for marketing and agriculture evolved into a role as Communications Assistant. Read Antonio’s story.
“I’s been amazing to see the passion and collaboration that goes into digital agriculture.”
– Antonio De Luca (BSc, Agribusiness, UM)
(Photo credit: David Lipnowski)
In 2024, Tanner West interned as Innovation Farms’ summer student. He had the opportunity to work in the field with digital tools, network with the industry, and develop new skills. Read Tanner’s story.
“Digital agriculture is very innovative, and wherever there’s innovation there’s opportunity.”
– Tanner West (BSc, Agribusiness, UM)
Ryan Ruchkall’s summer 2023 internship with EMILI at Innovation Farms gave him the opportunity to demonstrate, test, and validate new technologies. Read Ryan’s story.
“The hands-on experience I gained this summer has not only introduced me to digital agriculture but also provided me with a set of tools that are highly applicable to my degree.”
– Ryan Ruchkall (BSc, Agronomy, UM)
Gisela Sanchez took part in an EMILI internship in February 2023. She graduated with a full time role in her field.
“This experience changed my perspective on agriculture and how powerful AI can be in it. It was great to see firsthand the amazing work EMILI is doing to accelerate digital agriculture.”
– Gisela Sanchez (AI Diploma, UWinnipeg)
Brittanie ParisienBrittanie Parisien joined EMILI as an intern in 2022. She was thrilled when this role that led to a full time contract on EMILI’s team.
“Going from school to work is a daunting task, but I think work-integrated learning is a great bridge. It provides a transition for students to begin their career in a safer, more supportive way”
– Brittanie Parisien (Bachelor of Arts, UM)
If you’re interested in learning more about digital agriculture work placements, contact student services at your college or university and ask about opportunities.
EMILI partners with the following academic institutions: