Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship | Ridgetown Campus
Why choose the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship Program?
Choose our Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship Program to gain hands-on experience and in-depth training in cow care. The program offers practical, on-farm learning combined with classroom instruction, covering essential skills like herd health, nutrition, and barn maintenance. This comprehensive approach equips you with the expertise needed for a successful career in dairy management.
- 90% On-Farm Training
- 5,520 hours of on-farm training with your employer are required, following the Apprenticeship Training Standard which describes the skills you must become competent in to complete your training.
- 10% In-School Training
- 480 hours of in-school training is required, which will focus primarily on the theory you need to support the skills in the Apprenticeship Training Standard.
Apply in 3 steps
To become an apprentice Dairy Herdsperson, you need to complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ministry-approved equivalent. Credits in math, science, and communications are helpful. Some knowledge of agriculture is also beneficial.
Apprentices must be members of the Skilled Trades Ontario (more details in the Apply section above), and your employer must agree to provide you with apprenticeship training. If you want to learn more about apprenticeship training or get help finding a sponsor, please contact your local Employment Ontario Apprenticeship Office.
Note: Dairy Herdsperson is a voluntary certified trade and you do not require a Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in this trade. However, an apprenticeship will increase your knowledge and your opportunities.
What people are saying about the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship program
"I grew up on a dairy farm in a small town near Niagara Falls, so coming to Ridgetown Campus was an easy decision for me. I can get the most out of my learning experience because the class sizes are small and the instructors get to know you by name."
The Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity for individuals to learn practical, hands on skills for the dairy industry. It is an excellent alternative opportunity for those individuals who are looking for an alternative to a traditional diploma. In this course, you work with the Ministry of Labour, and a sponsoring dairy farm while also taking training in pesticide handling, nutrient management, artificial insemination, hoof trimming, and other skills important to the operation of a dairy farm.
The Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
