The agriculture and food sector in Canada is booming, but the industry faces a significant challenge: a shortage of highly skilled workers. In fact, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) estimates a workforce shortfall of 123,000 by 2029.
“Throughout the agri-food system, there’s a desperate need for people with a variety of skill sets, and this labour gap has widened significantly,” affirms Dr. John Cranfield, the interim dean of the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College. “This means that both educational institutions and industry have to work together to grow the talent pipeline.”
Thankfully, the University of Guelph, located just outside Toronto, is making strides in filling the gap. For over 150 years, its Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), has been at the forefront of agricultural sciences and practices, tackling global food challenges and fuelling the University of Guelph‘s status as “Canada’s Food University”. This explains why it ranks first in the country for agricultural sciences and second for plant and animal sciences — making it the ultimate launchpad for rewarding careers in the agri-food sector.
Enhancing career-readiness
To give students a competitive edge, OAC has introduced a new master’s-level internship course titled Internship in Agriculture, Environment, Food, and Communities. This initiative aims to connect graduate students with a diverse array of organisations across these sectors while providing hands-on support for projects and business challenges.
Designed for those in course-based master’s programmes, it will allow students to gain hands-on experience typically associated with undergraduate co-op programmes. These internships will see learners working with agri-food operations across Ontario, helping them sharpen their skills, gather experience, and network with potential employers.
“OAC recognises the immense value of experiential learning in developing professional skills and workplace awareness for all our graduate students,” says Dr. Emmanuelle Arnaud, professor and assistant OAC dean. “While we excel in academic training, we also want our students to have opportunities for professional development, and there’s no better way to achieve that than through this internship.”
Each opportunity will last 12 to 16 weeks from May to August — perfectly aligning with students’ final or penultimate semester. This timing increases the likelihood of employers extending job offers at the end of the internships.
Beyond internships, OAC encourages practical application through consultancy projects, in which students consult on real business challenges faced by their chosen organisations. Companies actively participate in the process, providing students with valuable real-world feedback and advice.
“We will actively work to understand the specific needs of each organisation and align them with our students’ expertise, ensuring a successful match,” explains Dr. Arnaud.
Real-world impact through postgraduate studies
The focus on combining academic excellence with hands-on experience is reflected across OAC’s graduate programmes. The Master of Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (MFARE) is a prime example. This programme prepares students for diverse careers in the agri-food supply chain or even policy-making roles in Ontario through projects that tackle real-world issues, like improving efficiency in food production or analysing economic trends in the agricultural sector.
Similarly, the Master of Sustainable Agriculture (MSAg) offers students the chance to work directly with agri-food producers on going green. As environmental responsibility becomes a growing priority for both companies and consumers, this hands-on experience is more vital than ever in the evolving agri-food sector. Through internships, MSAg students will specifically help companies audit their sustainability efforts, implement more eco-friendly practices, and drive innovation in sustainable farming methods.
Mirroring this practical approach, the Master of Animal Biosciences (ABIO) focuses on preparing students for careers in areas like animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, and animal welfare. To apply knowledge, students on this route will work with organisations at the forefront of animal science, helping to solve key challenges in livestock management, welfare standards, and nutritional research.
International students interested in these programmes will be pleased to know that OAC offers strong support throughout the application process. Canada’s fast-track system, available to students from Brazil, Colombia, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, further simplifies the journey, making it easier for them to begin their studies at one of the world’s leading agricultural institutions.
Learn more about Ontario Agricultural College today.
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