How the Workforce Development Program Works
Program overview
Hands-on training
Cultivation
- This course provides instruction on the cannabis plant itself. The course discusses plant structure, reproduction, and genetics of cannabis. The course will go into further detail concerning the cannabis growth cycle, such as nutrient ratios, light cycles, types of fertilizers, and indoor vs. outdoor environments.
- Following the lecture, participants will have the opportunity to work with hemp plants in a variety of hands-on activities. These activities will include: the process of making a clone from a larger plant, harvesting techniques for mature plants, bucking and trimming plants to prepare flower, and will learn and perform proper methods for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and facilities.
Processing
- This course will explore basic categories of cannabis processing, various cannabis concentrate types, components of certificate of analysis pages and how to review them, and different equipment used in processing laboratories.
- Following the lecture, participants will have the opportunity to observe hemp flowers under a microscope to examine their finer components, measure biomass on a scale, wash the biomass in a spinning washing machine similar to those in processing facilities, collect the bubble hash made form the washing/spin cycle and measure the final weight of the concentrated product created from the biomass. Participants will learn and perform the proper methods for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and facilities.
Phase 1: virtual academy
The Virtual Academy is self-paced training program. Typically completed over a span of 8 weeks, this self-paced program requires up to a six-hour time commitment per week.
Topics include:
- Dispensary Basics
- Processing Basics
- Cultivation Basics
- Introduction to Cannabis and the Human Body
- Introduction to Ancillary Businesses in the Cannabis Industry
- Introduction to Occupational Safety in the Cannabis Industry
Completion of each module lesson and quiz within the Workforce Development Virtual Academy is required to complete Phase 1 of the Workforce Development Program.
Participants may not participate in Phase 2 or 3 of the Workforce Development Program until Phase 1 is completed.
Phase 2: in-person academy
- After completing the Virtual Academy, participants may enroll in an in-person training course.
- This In-Person course, will provide hands-on training in retail, processing, and cultivation techniques
- A Training Academy Completion Certificate will be awarded to participants who complete the program to this point
- As In-Person Training Dates and Venues are finalized, registration information will be shared with all eligible participants.
Phase 3: job placement
Select participants who have earned completion certificates will be invited to apply for job placement assistance and internship opportunities within the cannabis industry.