Pot-growing classes start next month at Dieppe community college

Community college students in Dieppe can begin training as medical cannabis cultivation technicians starting Nov. 27.

The provincial Liberal government, which last year flagged the cannabis industry as part of its economic growth plan, announced Mondayit will pay $70,000 to cover thefull tuition which is at $2,800 for the 12-week coursefor the starting group of 25 students.

• New Brunswick community colleges to offer pot-growing program
• Marijuana industry could create 'thousands of jobs' in New Brunswick

The classes will be given in English and only at the Dieppe campus.

The program, which was hinted at a year ago, is the first of its kindin Canada, according to Michel Doucet, the executive director of continuing education for the community college.

"It's a science-based program," Doucetsaid. "Horticulture-basedso vegetation, plant care, control, environment, the watering, the elements that are required for successful growth."

Organigram, one of two licensed medical marijuana growers in New Brunswick, helped develop the curriculum after being approached by the community college, said GregEngel, CEO of Organigram.

"They felt they could get funding from the province for an initial program. So we've collaborated in that manner and we think it's a great way to tee up potential employees for the company."

The Moncton company is planning to more than double its staff from 110 employees to about 250 over the next few months, Engelsaid. It'shoping to hire many of the graduate technicians.

"The responsibility of the provincial government is to make sure we have qualified labour force," said RogerMelanson, post-secondary education minister, explaining the province's decision to fund program when it gets underway.

"We haven't made a decision beyond that point, because we want to make sure this is done responsibly and right," saidMelanson.

Classes will be offered to a second group of students in early 2018.

Doucet said heexpects there to be a lot of interest from potentialstudents.

When it comes to qualifications, the collegesaid it's looking forcandidates with no criminal record, a passion for the industry and horticulture.