BASF bridges Canada’s ag skills gap

Oct 01, 2018

The company’s Professional Development Program prepares candidates for full-time positions in the ag industry post-graduation

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com

BASF, an ag chemical company, is providing university graduates with on-the-job training to better prepare recruits for the ag workforce.

The industry needs skilled and talented people to meet labour demands. As a result, BASF created its Professional Development Program (PDP) to bridge the skills gap for young Canadians entering the ag sector, a recent company release said.

“The reason that we started the program is because we noticed that, especially in young adults coming out of school, they weren’t quite ready to … engage directly with the workforce,” Jon Sweat, vice-president of BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada, said to Farms.com on Thursday.

“The PDP program … runs our candidates through a rotation where they work one year in an internal-type job inside the office, like marketing, and then one year out externally, like a sales or research-type position.”

In its fifth year, the PDP provides on-the-job training in different areas of the company so that candidates learn relevant and targeted skills that are valuable for the workforce.

The program provides many benefits for participants.

“BASF’s Professional Development Program … gives program attendees a chance to discover different career opportunities within BASF,” Nikki Burton, a current BASF PDP participant, said to Farms.com on Friday.

“I have gained a lot of experience to be able to succeed in a full-time permanent position with BASF.”

The PDP helps graduates improve upon current skills as well as develop such new skills as project management, public speaking, presenting, networking and team building, she added.

The program is integrated into five major ag universities in Canada, the release said. BASF has partnered with the University of Alberta and the University of Saskatchewan, for example.

“The PDP program is a valuable tool to bring people in from different backgrounds … it brings in diverse candidates,” Sweat said.

Since “we put (candidates) through a rotation and they have a chance to learn the business before they are put out in a very specific role, I think (that) helps us attract a more diverse talent pool right out the gate.”

If graduates are interested in participating in the program, they should speak to a BASF rep.

BASF photo

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.