Employer Program Overview In partnership with First Work , South Essex Community Council ( SECC ), and Riipen About the Program Building Tech Careers in the Agri-Food Sector is an 8-week, cohort-based program combining in-class learning and real-world work experience. Designed for youth and newcomers in Ontario—especially Southwestern Ontario—the program equips participants with both technical and soft skills for digital and tech-oriented roles in the agri-food sector. As an employer, you will play a critical role by hosting participants during a 3-week unpaid placement period, helping them apply their skills in real-world environments while gaining early access to emerging talent. Placement Details Placement Dates: Monday, June 16 – Friday, July 4, 2025 Time Commitment: ~35 hours/week per participant (flexible based on your needs) Placement Format: In-person is prioritized ; hybrid options may be considered Support: Riipen provides structured guidance, tools, and templates throughout Who We’re Looking For We are seeking employers from across Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry, including: Primary Agriculture: Crop, livestock, dairy, greenhouse operations Food & Beverage Processing: Meat, dairy, bakery, breweries, wineries Wholesale & Distribution: Storage, logistics, butchery Retail & Food Services: Grocery, markets, restaurants Agri-Bioproducts & Innovation: Biofuels, biodegradable products, ag-tech Cannabis Cultivation Fisheries & Aquaculture What Employers Can Expect By participating, you will: Support the next generation of talent while creating positive social impact Access enthusiastic, entry-level candidates trained in essential industry skills Receive structured support and project tools through Riipen’s platform Gain the chance to identify potential future hires in a low-risk setting What Each Project Will Offer Participants Each employer-hosted project will allow participants to: Apply technical and soft skills in real-world environments Work in small teams of 2–3 job seekers Gain experience in professional team settings Complete a scoped project (~35 hours/week) over the 3-week placement Receive feedback and mentorship from employers Participant Skillsets Technical Skills: Food Safety and Quality Control Fundamentals of Equipment Operation and Maintenance Documentation and Record Keeping Fundamentals of Greenhouse Structures, Irrigation, PLC and Electrical Soft Skills: Communication, active listening Emotional intelligence, attitude, goal setting Digital literacy, problem-solving, compliance Certifications Earned: AODA WHMIS Worker Health & Safety Awareness Food Safety Introduction to Electricity (Lambton College 4-part series) Program Goals Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application Provide employers with promising talent and fresh insights Help job seekers fast-track their employment journey Advance First Work’s mission of building a sustainable employment network  Questions? Hit the 🥑 on your screen or email us at agri-food@riipen.com Learn more about the program: https://secc.on.ca/get-help/job-seekers/

Employer Program Overview In partnership with First Work , South Essex Community Council ( SECC ), and Riipen About the Program Building Tech Careers in the Agri-Food Sector is an 8-week, cohort-based program combining in-class learning and real-world work experience. Designed for youth and newcomers in Ontario—especially Southwestern Ontario—the program equips participants with both technical and soft skills for digital and tech-oriented roles in the agri-food sector. As an employer, you will play a critical role by hosting participants during a 3-week unpaid placement period, helping them apply their skills in real-world environments while gaining early access to emerging talent. Placement Details Placement Dates: Monday, June 16 – Friday, July 4, 2025 Time Commitment: ~35 hours/week per participant (flexible based on your needs) Placement Format: In-person is prioritized ; hybrid options may be considered Support: Riipen provides structured guidance, tools, and templates throughout Who We’re Looking For We are seeking employers from across Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry, including: Primary Agriculture: Crop, livestock, dairy, greenhouse operations Food & Beverage Processing: Meat, dairy, bakery, breweries, wineries Wholesale & Distribution: Storage, logistics, butchery Retail & Food Services: Grocery, markets, restaurants Agri-Bioproducts & Innovation: Biofuels, biodegradable products, ag-tech Cannabis Cultivation Fisheries & Aquaculture What Employers Can Expect By participating, you will: Support the next generation of talent while creating positive social impact Access enthusiastic, entry-level candidates trained in essential industry skills Receive structured support and project tools through Riipen’s platform Gain the chance to identify potential future hires in a low-risk setting What Each Project Will Offer Participants Each employer-hosted project will allow participants to: Apply technical and soft skills in real-world environments Work in small teams of 2–3 job seekers Gain experience in professional team settings Complete a scoped project (~35 hours/week) over the 3-week placement Receive feedback and mentorship from employers Participant Skillsets Technical Skills: Food Safety and Quality Control Fundamentals of Equipment Operation and Maintenance Documentation and Record Keeping Fundamentals of Greenhouse Structures, Irrigation, PLC and Electrical Soft Skills: Communication, active listening Emotional intelligence, attitude, goal setting Digital literacy, problem-solving, compliance Certifications Earned: AODA WHMIS Worker Health & Safety Awareness Food Safety Introduction to Electricity (Lambton College 4-part series) Program Goals Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application Provide employers with promising talent and fresh insights Help job seekers fast-track their employment journey Advance First Work’s mission of building a sustainable employment network  Questions? Hit the 🥑 on your screen or email us at agri-food@riipen.com Learn more about the program: https://secc.on.ca/get-help/job-seekers/

Employer Program Overview In partnership with First Work , South Essex Community Council ( SECC ), and Riipen About the Program Building Tech Careers in the Agri-Food Sector is an 8-week, cohort-based program combining in-class learning and real-world work experience. Designed for youth and newcomers in Ontario—especially Southwestern Ontario—the program equips participants with both technical and soft skills for digital and tech-oriented roles in the agri-food sector. As an employer, you will play a critical role by hosting participants during a 3-week unpaid placement period, helping them apply their skills in real-world environments while gaining early access to emerging talent. Placement Details Placement Dates: Monday, June 16 – Friday, July 4, 2025 Time Commitment: ~35 hours/week per participant (flexible based on your needs) Placement Format: In-person is prioritized ; hybrid options may be considered Support: Riipen provides structured guidance, tools, and templates throughout Who We’re Looking For We are seeking employers from across Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry, including: Primary Agriculture: Crop, livestock, dairy, greenhouse operations Food & Beverage Processing: Meat, dairy, bakery, breweries, wineries Wholesale & Distribution: Storage, logistics, butchery Retail & Food Services: Grocery, markets, restaurants Agri-Bioproducts & Innovation: Biofuels, biodegradable products, ag-tech Cannabis Cultivation Fisheries & Aquaculture What Employers Can Expect By participating, you will: Support the next generation of talent while creating positive social impact Access enthusiastic, entry-level candidates trained in essential industry skills Receive structured support and project tools through Riipen’s platform Gain the chance to identify potential future hires in a low-risk setting What Each Project Will Offer Participants Each employer-hosted project will allow participants to: Apply technical and soft skills in real-world environments Work in small teams of 2–3 job seekers Gain experience in professional team settings Complete a scoped project (~35 hours/week) over the 3-week placement Receive feedback and mentorship from employers Participant Skillsets Technical Skills: Food Safety and Quality Control Fundamentals of Equipment Operation and Maintenance Documentation and Record Keeping Fundamentals of Greenhouse Structures, Irrigation, PLC and Electrical Soft Skills: Communication, active listening Emotional intelligence, attitude, goal setting Digital literacy, problem-solving, compliance Certifications Earned: AODA WHMIS Worker Health & Safety Awareness Food Safety Introduction to Electricity (Lambton College 4-part series) Program Goals Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application Provide employers with promising talent and fresh insights Help job seekers fast-track their employment journey Advance First Work’s mission of building a sustainable employment network  Questions? Hit the 🥑 on your screen or email us at agri-food@riipen.com Learn more about the program:  https://secc.on.ca/get-help/job-seekers/

Employer Program Overview In partnership with First Work , South Essex Community Council ( SECC ), and Riipen About the Program Building Tech Careers in the Agri-Food Sector is an 8-week, cohort-based program combining in-class learning and real-world work experience. Designed for youth and newcomers in Ontario—especially Southwestern Ontario—the program equips participants with both technical and soft skills for digital and tech-oriented roles in the agri-food sector. As an employer, you will play a critical role by hosting participants during a 3-week unpaid placement period, helping them apply their skills in real-world environments while gaining early access to emerging talent. Placement Details Placement Dates: Monday, June 16 – Friday, July 4, 2025 Time Commitment: ~35 hours/week per participant (flexible based on your needs) Placement Format: In-person is prioritized ; hybrid options may be considered Support: Riipen provides structured guidance, tools, and templates throughout Who We’re Looking For We are seeking employers from across Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry, including: Primary Agriculture: Crop, livestock, dairy, greenhouse operations Food & Beverage Processing: Meat, dairy, bakery, breweries, wineries Wholesale & Distribution: Storage, logistics, butchery Retail & Food Services: Grocery, markets, restaurants Agri-Bioproducts & Innovation: Biofuels, biodegradable products, ag-tech Cannabis Cultivation Fisheries & Aquaculture What Employers Can Expect By participating, you will: Support the next generation of talent while creating positive social impact Access enthusiastic, entry-level candidates trained in essential industry skills Receive structured support and project tools through Riipen’s platform Gain the chance to identify potential future hires in a low-risk setting What Each Project Will Offer Participants Each employer-hosted project will allow participants to: Apply technical and soft skills in real-world environments Work in small teams of 2–3 job seekers Gain experience in professional team settings Complete a scoped project (~35 hours/week) over the 3-week placement Receive feedback and mentorship from employers Participant Skillsets Technical Skills: Food safety & quality control Equipment operation & maintenance Documentation & record keeping Greenhouse structures, irrigation systems, PLC, and electrical basics Soft Skills: Communication, active listening Emotional intelligence, attitude, goal setting Digital literacy, problem-solving, compliance Certifications Earned: AODA WHMIS Worker Health & Safety Awareness Food Safety Introduction to Electricity (Lambton College 4-part series) Program Goals Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application Provide employers with promising talent and fresh insights Help job seekers fast-track their employment journey Advance First Work’s mission of building a sustainable employment network  Questions? Hit the 🥑 on your screen or email us at agri-food@riipen.com Learn more about the program:  https://secc.on.ca/get-help/job-seekers/