Ontario’s agriculture and food/beverage processing businesses have a new opportunity to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Seeding Digital Skills Program, launching in July 2025, offers free workforce training in cutting-edge digital twin technology—designed to enhance productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and future-proof operations across the province.
Whether you’re running a greenhouse, a food processing plant, a craft brewery, or a commercial farm, this program provides practical tools to modernize your business with no cost to participate.
What Is the Seeding Digital Skills Program?
Led by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with national industry organizations, the program aims to upskill approximately 400 participants in digital twin technology—a form of virtual modeling that mirrors real-world systems in real time. Training is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills, and the Government of Canada.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to agriculture and food/beverage processing businesses of all sizes, including:
Livestock farms and hatcheries
Crop producers and greenhouses
Wineries, breweries, and beverage makers
Commercial kitchens and food processors
To be eligible, employers must be Canadian-registered businesses with Ontario-based employees. All participants must have access to a suitable computer and internet connection, and demonstrate a willingness to learn.
Program Highlights
Format: 100% online (live and self-paced components)
Duration: 12 weeks
Start Dates: Multiple cohorts between July 2025 and January 2026
Weekly Commitment: 3 hours live instruction + up to 10 hours of self-study
Technology Used: Unity 3D platform for building real-time digital twins
Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, simulate real-time business challenges, and gain skills in areas like interactive data visualization, CAD asset optimization, and remote building management—all tailored to real agricultural and processing scenarios.
Financial Support & Post-Training Outcomes
In addition to free tuition, employers may be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2,000 per participating employee to offset time spent in training.
After completing the program, employers must provide at least one of the following for the participant:
A change in job title
New job responsibilities aligned with a growth path
An increase in compensation
Participants will also receive a recognized credential and gain access to continued Unity licensing beyond the training period. Select participants may be invited to pursue further AI training at no cost.
Why It Matters
As smart farming, automation, and data integration become standard across agriculture and food sectors, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. This program equips your workforce with practical digital skills that can lead to faster decision-making, better resource allocation, and more sustainable growth.
Best of all, it’s tailored for real businesses facing real operational challenges—giving participants the chance to apply what they’ve learned to problems they’re actively trying to solve.
Apply Now—Spaces Are Limited
Cohorts begin in July 2025 and run through early 2026. Applications are now open, and spots are limited. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity to gain high-impact digital training without the financial burden.
Stay Ahead with Norbram
At Norbram, we’re committed to keeping Ontario business owners informed about valuable programs that support workforce development, digital transformation, and long-term growth. While we are not affiliated with the Seeding Digital Skills Program, we believe in helping our clients stay ahead in a changing economy.
Check back often for more business resources, funding announcements, and professional insights.
