AAg / AAT Process
Articling Requirements
The purpose of articling is to increase the individual's awareness and understanding of professionalism, ethics, and the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Articling also provides an opportunity to be involved in professional development activity.
Specific requirements of articling include:
- attending at least two branch activities,
- attending a branch annual meeting,
- attending a SIA annual meeting and
- attend the seminar on professionalism and ethics and successfully pass the exam associated with this seminar
- two letters of reference from PAg's
Once all of these have been successfully completed, the AAg can apply to become a PAg.
The Articling Agrologist program must be completed within three years.
Mentoring
The word mentor is defined as "a wise and trusted advisor." It was used to describe the role of a monk in biblical times when an understudy would virtually spend all of his time learning from the monk or mentor. The origin of a mentor goes back to Homer's The Odyssey, when Odysseus left on his mythical journey and entrusted his son Telemachus to a friend and adviser, Mentor. But we do not live in the age of Homer. That traditional model persisted for about 2,800 years and essentially defined what we call mentoring. However, today's work environment is more complex, work processes are less structured, interactions involve more inter-disciplinary group effort, and lifelong employment is no longer the professional's model.
The role of the mentor in SIA is very different from those early beginnings. Those who become AAg's have already received a degree so have a core body of knowledge, which qualifies them to practice agrology. In SIA the mentor is really a contact person for the AAg, who can provide information and advice to the AAg if requested or required.
The Mentor
The Articling Agrologist program is a priority of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA). It assures that Articling Agrologists (AAg's) have an understanding of ethics, professionalism and the role of the Institute.
The SIA Articling Agrologist program was introduced in 1993 to replace and improve the original Agrologist in Training program. SIA now considers students to be agrologists in training.
The Articling Agrologist program provides the necessary support and guidance to a new member entering the profession. The strength of the AAg program lies in the combination of providing resource materials, professional development opportunities, networking with other agrologists and the opportunity to interact with a mentor.
The Role of the Mentor
In SIA, the role of the mentor is easily defined. The mentor is a contact person for an AAg. Because SIA mentors have experience working as a professional agrologist and being involved in SIA activities, they can easily provide information when requested by the AAg.
Mentors usually attend branch and provincial functions so they are able to provide information about dates, times and location of events. Mentors often sign the AAg report forms and provide letters of reference when the AAg's apply for PAg status. A mentor often contacts the AAg before an event to make sure they know that it is being held and to encourage the AAg to attend. Mentors often provide a valuable "communication link" between the AAg and the Institute.
Who Can Qualify to Be a Mentor?
It is important that the mentor have experience in practicing agrology. This enables him/her to answer questions relating to professional practice and the importance of professionalism in today's agri-food industry.
The mentor should also have experience within the SIA organization at the branch or provincial level. This enables the mentor to explain the role that SIA plays and what influence it has on the development of policies and programs relating to the agri-food industry.
Determining If a Mentor Is Required
Individuals who apply to become agrologists have a wide range of experience in the work place. Some are new graduates with little or no work experience. Others have had several years experience in various types of agricultural enterprises. As well some who are applying to become AAg's are in an employment situation that provides the opportunity to interact with many other agrologists on a daily basis. Others may be located where little or no contact is made with other agrologists. Location is also a factor. Those who are relatively close to a major centre find it much easier to attend branch activities. Unfortunately some are located at great distances from where branch activities take place. They often feel somewhat isolated and may benefit from having contact with a mentor.
The decision to request a mentor is left with the AAg. If he or she believes there is a need to have a mentor, they may indicate this to the SIA office, which in turn notifies the branch membership coordinator. A mentor is then assigned and he or she will contact the AAg. The important thing is that the AAg makes the decision. Many AAg's do not request a mentor!
How a Mentor is Assigned
When the AAg request for membership in SIA is approved by Council, the SIA office notifies the applicants and forwards an invoice to he or she. A form is sent with the invoice which enables the AAg to request a mentor. The payment of the invoice and the Mentor Request Form are to be returned to the SIA office. If a mentor is requested, the branch membership coordinator is advised and a mentor is assigned. The mentor then contacts the new AAg to determine what action is required. It is important that the mentor indicate how him or her can be contacted for information about meetings and other events that are important for the AAg to attend.
Other Sources of Information
Mentors and Articling Agrologists are advised to review the following publications provided by SIA:
- Information about the Institute
- Professionalism
- Ethical Responsibilities
The SIA website www.sia.sk.ca is also a valuable source of information.
Summary of Roles and Responsibilities
The Articling Agrologist
Decide if he or she requires a mentor or can they go through the articling process on their own.
If a mentor is required, the AAg should notify the SIA office requesting a mentor.
The AAg may decide to find their own mentor. If this happens, they should notify the SIA office indicating who the mentor will be.
The Mentor
When the mentor has been assigned, they should contact the AAg and indicate they are their mentor.
The mentor should contact the AAg before each branch activity, and the SIA annual conference to encourage the AAg to attend.
The mentor should check with the AAg to determine if the AAg is progressing through the articling requirements.
The mentor should offer to sign the AAg report form at the event, and provide a letter of support for the AAg's application to become a PAg.
Note:
If at any time the mentor and/or AAg feel the mentoring relationship is not satisfactory either person should contact the SIA. This will facilitate the desirable changes.
