by Lauranne Sanderson, Business and Social Sciences, Agricultural Campus

Curriculum development and revision at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus must be timely, innovative and constant to meet the job demands of several evolving industries that are central to Nova Scotia’s economy.

The majority of students at the campus, formerly the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, are in degree programs. In addition, the Agricultural Campus continues to provide technical training for the agriculture and food industries, training which began in 1905. Technology diploma programs are career-focused and market-driven.  Tailored to train future business owners/managers, veterinary nurses, and sales and service representatives working in the agricultural, horticultural or pet industries, these programs must be focused on educating students on the latest technology and skills.

After extensive interviews with key employers in the agricultural and horticultural industries, discussions with students, analysis of market and career trends, and development of detailed learning outcomes, we created the Diploma in Business Management with options to specialize in the dairy, equine, pet or greenhouse industries in 2006.  The diploma prepares students to enter the workforce at the operational manager level. For example, students in the equine option are responsible for managing Baron’s Pride stable (under the supervision of staff).

This unique diploma provides students with a blend of classroom and hands on learning. In addition to diploma credit classes in management and the technological specialty, workplace readiness modules include training in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, public speaking, internships, and skills training in laboratory and the work environment.

We believe our design approach, involving frequent updating and extensive consultation with graduates and target industries, is the right one. We are confident that the technology diploma programs at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of our stakeholders in the horticulture, agriculture and food industries including, most importantly, the students who graduate from them.