A college certificate or diploma or specialized courses related to farming, such as livestock production, tree pruning and pesticide application, are available and may be required for some positions and are generally advantageous when seeking employment. The College of the Rockies, Northern Lights College and the University College of the Fraser Valley offer programs in agriculture with courses in livestock production, general agriculture, animal care and farm or ranch practices. The University College of the Fraser Valley has a Milker Training program for dairy workers. Kwantlen University College offers a nine-month Farrier Training program. Admission requires completion of grade 12, at least two years of verified experience handling horses and demonstration of horse handling skills.
Physical fitness is important for general farm workers as is a knowledge of farm safety practices.
Good communication skills and adaptability are assets. A willingness to continue learning is needed in order to advance to positions of greater responsibility. Working Conditions General farm workers do physical work outdoors and in all kinds of weather. The work requires bending, kneeling and lifting. The hours of work may exceed 40 hours a week and require weekend shifts.