An Agriculture Equipment Technician (AET) elective has been developed for Grade 11 and 12 students this fall.

There will be 50 hours of on-line classes taught from a central location at the Sun West Distance Learning Centre in Kenaston.

Students will receive 40 hours of practical work study at an agriculture dealership between November and March.

“They will be shadowing one of the existing journey people learning what the trade is all about,” says Sun West superintendent, Darren Gasper. “They will also spend time exploring the parts and technologies areas.”

Students will also attend a pair of five-hour sessions at Sask Polytechnic in Saskatoon. They will learn more about the post-secondary program, as well as future employment opportunities.

The Western Equipment Dealers Association has helped establish the curriculum with a long term goal of attracting more young people to the profession.

“There is a current shortage of one to two agriculture equipment technicians in nearly every dealer location across Saskatchewan,” says Larry Hertz, vice-president of the Western Equipment Dealers Association. “Creating awareness of the need for technicians along with the vast number of good paying stable career opportunities at our dealerships is our goal.”

Gasper says the program will be offered in all areas of the province.

“Whether you attend a school in Yorkton or Regina or in any small centre in Saskatchewan, the local dealerships have agreed to pick up the cost and will provide a seat in the program for students.”

More information about the program is available at www.sunwestdlc.ca.