ALBERNI-CLAYOQUOT REGIONAL DISTRICT
Graduates finish the Greenhouse Propagation and Production foundational course at North Island College

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) and their project partners Hupacasath First Nation and North Island College (NIC) are pleased to announce that ten students graduated this year from the Greenhouse Propagation and Production course.

"We are grateful that Hupacasath and NIC see the value in partnering to offer programs like this to the people of our community," said John Jack, Chief of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Board Chair for the ACRD, and a member of the NIC Board of Governance. "By partnering with NIC and Hupačasath, we help increase the number of people with the skills to work in greenhouses, which will help fill a need in our Region while having a positive impact on food security."

The graduating class of the first Greenhouse Propagation and Production course.

This is the first time the ACRD has worked with Hupačasath and NIC to offer this new program at the Port Alberni campus. The ACRD received $184,200 in funding through the Community Workforce Response Grant program for tuition, participant financial support, and administration costs. This funding was provided by the Province of British Columbia.

"We are proud to support initiatives that empower individuals with practical skills and knowledge for a sustainable future," said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "Programs like the Greenhouse Propagation and Production course are crucial for developing local talent and improving food security in our communities."

Students participated in the six-week program in February and March learning the skills they need to work in the field upon graduation.

"It's always a positive step when we can partner with other organizations to offer training for our citizens and residents of the Valley," explains Hupačasath Chief Brandy Lauder. "This program is a great example of the kind of training we should offer. It gives the students hands-on experience that they can translate into many opportunities down the road."

Graduates from this program are finding work in their communities and boosting local food security.

"It is a privilege to have been asked to participate in this important training program. Food security and food sovereignty are critical concepts and are important to the citizens of our region," says Bob Haugen, Director of Continuing Education and Training for NIC. "The food we produce in our region strengthens our communities from disruptions in supply chains, and this program provides participants with excellent transferable skills and a brighter future."

The ACRD continues to explore grant opportunities that allows partnerships with NIC that will meet the skills training needs of the region.