Employer Program Overview

In partnership with First Work, South Essex Community Council (SECC), and Riipen

About the Program

Building Tech Careers in the Agri-Food Sector is an 8-week, cohort-based program combining in-class learning and real-world work experience. Designed for youth and newcomers in Ontario—especially Southwestern Ontario—the program equips participants with both technical and soft skills for digital and tech-oriented roles in the agri-food sector.

As an employer, you will play a critical role by hosting participants during a 3-week unpaid placement period, helping them apply their skills in real-world environments while gaining early access to emerging talent.

Placement Details

• Placement Dates: Tuesday September 2, 2025 - Friday September 19, 2025 
• Time Commitment: estimate of 20-35 hours/week per participant (flexible based on your needs)
• Placement Format: REMOTE
• Support: Riipen provides structured guidance, tools, and templates throughout

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking employers from across Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry, including:

• Primary Agriculture: Crop, livestock, dairy, greenhouse operations
• Food & Beverage Processing: Meat, dairy, bakery, breweries, wineries
• Wholesale & Distribution: Storage, logistics, butchery
• Retail & Food Services: Grocery, markets, restaurants
• Agri-Bioproducts & Innovation: Biofuels, biodegradable products, ag-tech
• Cannabis Cultivation
• Fisheries & Aquaculture

What Employers Can Expect

By participating, you will:

• Support the next generation of talent while creating positive social impact
• Access enthusiastic, entry-level candidates trained in essential industry skills
• Receive structured support and project tools through Riipen’s platform
• Gain the chance to identify potential future hires in a low-risk setting

What Each Project Will Offer Participants

Each employer-hosted project will allow participants to:

• Apply technical and soft skills in real-world environments
• Work in small teams of 2–3 job seekers
• Gain experience in professional team settings
• Complete a scoped project (estimate of 20-35 hours/week) over the 3-week placement
• Receive feedback and mentorship from employers

Participant Skillsets

Technical Skills:

• Food Safety and Quality Control
• Fundamentals of Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Documentation and Record Keeping
• Fundamentals of Greenhouse Structures, Irrigation, PLC and Electrical

Soft Skills:

• Communication, active listening
• Emotional intelligence, attitude, goal setting
• Digital literacy, problem-solving, compliance

Certifications Earned:

• AODA
• WHMIS
• Worker Health & Safety Awareness
• Food Safety
• Introduction to Electricity (Lambton College 4-part series)

Program Goals

• Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application
• Provide employers with promising talent and fresh insights
• Help job seekers fast-track their employment journey
• Advance First Work’s mission of building a sustainable employment network

Questions?

Hit the 🥑 on your screen or email us at agri-food@riipen.com

Learn more about the program: https://secc.on.ca/get-help/job-seekers/

Participants are seeking hands-on, entry level experience where they can make an impact for the employer’s business. Project deliverables will vary based on scope. 

Possible focus can include helping to implement, maintain, and troubleshoot agricultural technologies such as precision farming tools, IoT devices, drones, sensors, automated equipment, and farm management software

See examples below as well as a linked project template outlining remote options.