The announcement of $8.2 million in funding for the new SAIT Digital Transformation (DX) Talent Hub earlier this month was important news to UFA. The co-operative endorsed the project with a letter of support and members are thrilled that this continuing education initiative will help address the significant shortage of tech talent, particularly in the agriculture and agri-food industries. The funding announcement is made possible through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) and spans over five years.
"We were proud to be able to offer an official letter of support for this funding," says Janay Meisser, Director, Innovation at UFA. "This investment in talent really aligns with UFA's commitment to driving innovation, advancement of technology and providing solutions for our members. We're looking forward to leveraging the opportunities this new Talent Hub will bring.
"If you think of what UFA does, our focus is on the advancement of digital technology in the agri-food sector. If talent is attracted to Calgary and the Alberta space, it really does enable us to identify problems and have talent and resources locally to help provide sustainable solutions. Keeping it local enables lower costs because we're not bringing it in from other places. It also creates opportunity because now the solution is here and it can be outsourced, it can be sold or serviced or subscribed elsewhere," adds Meisser.
The first initiative of its kind in Canada, the SAIT Digital Transformation (DX) Hub will offer highly integrated programs in digital transformation for individuals and corporate workforces. The training is a customized combination of cultural, behavioral and technical training.
At UFA, we are confident that this new facility and programming will enhance not only the sustainability of the agri-food industry, but all industries, delivering economic benefits and job growth opportunities, while enabling the development of more cost-effective practices, technological advancements, and production of high-quality products.
Read Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund's September 9, 2020 press release here.
