INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED AGROLOGISTS PILOT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA


Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk and Dr. Emõke Szathmáry, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba, today announced the establishment of the Internationally Educated Agrologist pilot program (IEAP).

"We congratulate the University of Manitoba's faculty of agricultural and food sciences and the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists, the two organizations that developed the pilot program so internationally-trained agrologists can work in their chosen field as quickly as possible," said Allan. "The province is pleased to support this innovative program which demonstrates our government's commitment to fast track skills recognition and integration into the labour market."

In the past year, Manitoba welcomed over 10,000 immigrants. A significant number of these new Manitobans are professionals who have international education and work experience in their chosen fields.

"These skilled individuals can make a strong contribution to Manitoba's agricultural economy, but first need supports to overcome barriers to professional recognition and job entry,"
Wowchuk said. "The people using this 12-month IEAP program will now be able to contribute their knowledge, skills and expertise to our workforce more quickly and benefit our agriculture industry sooner. The transfer of information and technological skills from qualified, internationally-trained agrologists will enhance and expand the options of our own industry now and in the future."

The pilot program provides eight months of study and four months paid work experience with an agricultural company in Manitoba.
Currently, 13 students are enrolled in the program.

Szathmáry praised the IEAP. "This program will meet the needs of internationally-educated agrologists at the same! time as it meets the needs of the Manitoba economy which requires highly-educated and experienced professionals,'' she said. "It is an excellent example of how the University of Manitoba recognizes and responds to the demands of the workforce in practical and effective ways."


"The IEAP is a tremendous opportunity for the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists (MIA) to help well-qualified people replace frustration with hope and to help internationally-educated agrologists demonstrate to employers that they have the appropriate level of knowledge and skills so their talent and experience will not be wasted," said Earl Geddes, MIA president.

Agrology is the application of the sciences to agriculture and the bio-resource sector. Agrologists are trained and qualified to provide advice on the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, crops or livestock. The Manitoba Institute of Agrologists is the provincial accreditation organization that operates under authority of the Agrologists Act.

The Internationally Educated Agrologist pilot program, the Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification program and the Academic and Professional Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Teachers are initiatives Manitoba has developed to help newcomers use their professional skills in Manitoba workplaces.

The province recently introduced legislation that builds on these initiatives and qualifications recognition efforts. The proposed Fair Registration Practices Bill would also help reduce barriers to the recognition of internationally-educated professionals in Manitoba through transparent, objective, impartial and fair registration practices.