NorQuest College launches pot trimming, production course

Edmonton’s NorQuest College is launching an online cannabis trimming and production course to ensure that Alberta’s cannabis industry has access to skilled workers.

“Making our workforce jobready in this fast-paced and highly regulated industry will benefit industry and those who seek employment in Canadian cannabis,” said John Radostits, board director with Westleaf, a Calgary-based production and retail company, in a NorQuest news release.

Radostits is a member of NorQuest’s Cannabis Program Advisory Committee, a panel of community and industry experts who inform the college on the practices and standards required to achieve programming goals. NorQuest’s course is targeted at anyone who might be interested in transitioning to a new career.

“NorQuest is creating training opportunities for Albertans looking for a pathway into the cannabis industry,” says Lyle Oberg, chief policy and medical officer with Flowr, a licensed producer in Kelowna, B.C., that provided expertise to the course.

“Flowr is excited to have contributed to a course that will help learners walk away with the skills they need to start a successful career in cannabis.”

Alberta leads the nation in cannabis sales, with 136 licensed retail stores, and according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, self-reported cannabis use is higher in Alberta than any other province.

This is increasing the demand for product and an educated labour market, the release said.

“This training at NorQuest will help anyone become a standout candidate for employment, including newcomers and energy sector workers looking to switch to a high-growth career,” said Marian Gayed, NorQuest vice-president of business development. “We want to allow Albertans to get in on the ground floor and be part of an economic driver that will benefit communities, families, and individuals.”

Along with the online course, NorQuest will offer hands-on practical training at designated local licensed producers beginning this fall. The training will provide an opportunity to experience cannabis production first hand, and understand the importance of industry regulations.