Training and Apprenticeship

The Canadian National Millers Association (CNMA) is working with delivery partners in the development and launch of a Grain Miller Training Program effective September 1, 2008. This program responds to the milling industry’s ongoing need for formally trained and accredited grain millers at various levels of responsibility. This workforce requirement is expected to lead to the recruitment and training of approximately 150 millers over the next 7 to 10 years by CNMA member firms.

This new training curriculum is built upon the solid foundation of the long-established correspondence program of training offered and administered by the National Association of British and Irish Millers (NABIM). In addition to the 7 NABIM training modules (click here for more information at NABIM), the program also includes training materials and short courses that are tailored to meet the operating requirements of the Canadian milling industry, including workplace safety and health and food industry regulatory requirements.

CNMA’s principal delivery partner in Canada is the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. CIGI offers a mix of classroom and hands-on training and examination, taking advantage of the Institute’s state-of-the-art milling, baking and noodle/pasta manufacturing facilities located in the heart of Canada’s grain industry. The first CIGI program (click here) will be conducted in January of 2010 and annually thereafter.

What is the trade certification received by those who complete the program?

The NABIM correspondence program is one that results in formal accreditation in grain milling. This accreditation is available at two levels, both recognized internationally in the EU, Canada, Australia and the United States.

CNMA will be required to operate the complete training program for a period of several years to lead to formal recognition within Canada as an apprenticeship program, then qualifying enrolled individuals and employers for financial and other assistance offered by provincial and federal departments and agencies. Grain miller is not yet one of the designated trades in the Interprovincial Standards “Red Seal” Program.

Who qualifies for enrollment in this training program?

Employees of CNMA member companies who are nominated by their employers to enroll in this program will be supported administratively by CNMA in registering for NABIM and CIGI modules and other short courses that are part of the curriculum.

Individuals who are not employees of CNMA member companies may enroll but will not qualify for direct funding assistance provided by CNMA for purchase of printed course materials and NABIM course fee rebates. Such individuals may also apply directly to NABIM for enrollment in that program without CNMA’s administrative support.

Is there a need to take time off work for this training?

The NABIM and most other modules can be completed as part time study that will not require extended leave of absence from regular work for classroom instruction. CNMA member firms that nominate participants are expected provide leave with pay to write NABIM examinations and attend the core CIGI module.

The core CIGI module will require a period of 14 days study at CIGI and residence in Winnipeg, Manitoba in January or February. Participants in the core CIGI module will have to have completed 3 or more modules of the NABIM program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through work experience. Additional CIGI modules will be available periodically for more advanced training (durum milling, end use performance) at the discretion of course participants and their employers.

How long will this program take to complete?

The period of part-time study normally required to complete all modules will be 4 to 5 years. NABIM course participants are encouraged to complete 2 or more modules each year (total of 7 for the advanced certificate). Completion of NABIM modules requires the successful completion of a supervised, written examination for each module. Completion of the core CIGI module will also require successful completion of a written examination and practical demonstration of milling proficiency during the program.

How much will this cost?

Each of the 7 NABIM modules requires an enrollment fee of approximately CDN$450.00, which includes the examination fee. Employees of CNMA member companies who enroll in the program or their employer sponsors will be reimbursed by CNMA for 50% of NABIM course fees upon successful completion of each module and examination. This is equivalent to a total of approximately CDN$1,600 in financial assistance for completion of all 7 modules of the NABIM program.

For persons who are not employees of CNMA member firms but wish to enroll through CNMA, there will be a one-time administration fee of $300 (2009/2010) that will include one printed copy of training materials other than the NABIM course materials and related shipping costs. CNMA will also provide advice and assistance in completing registration for NABIM and CIGI programs. NABIM course fees will be additional and apply for each module that is taken.

The CIGI training module is offered on a cost recovery basis. Estimated course fees and living costs in Winnipeg for the two-week January, 2010 program will be approximately $4,000. Travel costs are additional and will vary by mode of travel and point of origin for each participant.

Fees for a one-day food security short course to be delivered regionally are not yet established but will be moderate.

For additional information, contact:    Gordon Harrison

President Canadian National Millers Association Suite 200 265 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON   K1S 2E1 Telephone 613-238-2293 or gharrison@canadianmillers.ca