AG 250 - Industry Practicum

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Aug 12, 2025; Date Approved: Aug 12, 2025

Practicum Hours: 120

Course Description:
This practicum provides second-year students in Crop Technology, Animal Science Technology, Agribusiness, and Agricultural Sustainability programs with hands-on experience in approved industry placements. Over a three-week (120-hour) period, students engage in real-world applications of their field of study. A one-hour weekly tutorial in the fall semester and four hours of professional development activities will enhance professional readiness and share practicum experience with the first-year diploma students. The course concludes with a presentation reflecting on the practicum experience. Pass/Fail.

Rationale:
This course serves as a common practicum experience, replacing program-specific practicums while maintaining flexibility for students in different fields. It allows students to:

Apply theoretical knowledge to practical settings.
Gain professional exposure and industry connections.
Develop career readiness through structured professional development sessions.
Present reflections and key takeaways to their peers.

Prerequisites: Completion of all first-year program courses in Crop Technology, Animal Science Technology, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Sustainability programs.

Students must secure an approved practicum placement before starting.
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

Engage in daily functions of an industry-related enterprise.
Integrate knowledge and skills from previous coursework into real-world applications.
Develop professional competencies, including communication, decision making, and networking.
Analyze and apply industry-specific best practices in either agronomy, livestock management, agribusiness operations, or sustainability initiatives.
Complete four hours of professional development in career-related workshops.
Prepare and deliver presentations summarizing practicum experiences and lessons learned.

Required Resource Materials:
None

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
Practicum Placement (120 hours, 3 weeks)

Students must complete 120 hours at an approved placement site.
The workplace will give students exposure to industry-specific best practices in their area of study (agronomy, livestock management, agribusiness operations, and/or sustainability initiatives).
Students and host employers will establish a mutually agreeable work schedule.
Students must adhere to workplace policies, safety procedures, and dress codes.
Students are responsible for negotiating terms of employment (if applicable), including compensation, work hours, and insurance.

Weekly Tutorial (1 hour per week in Fall semester)

Tutorials will cover key topics, including:
- Workplace communication
- Professionalism and career readiness
- Information management
- Effective presentations

Professional Development (4 hours minimum)

Students must complete a minimum of four hours of professional development.
Acceptable activities include:
- Conferences or workshops
- Industry speaker sessions
- Networking events

Presentations

Students must prepare and present a summary of their practicum experience.
Presentations should highlight:
- Key learnings from the practicum
- Challenges and problem-solving approaches
- Career applications and industry insights

Practicum Attendance: Students must complete 120 hours at their placement.

Tutorial Attendance: Missing more than 20% of tutorials may result in withdrawal from the course.

Professional Development: Completion of four hours is mandatory for a passing grade.

Students are responsible for securing an approved practicum site.

Any exceptions to attendance policies must be approved by the Department Chair in writing.

Students must follow all Lakeland College academic policies regarding integrity and professionalism.

Content of Course:
Tutorial Sessions:

Workplace Communication and Professionalism
Effective Networking and Career Development
Industry-Specific Challenges and Solutions
Information Management and Digital Tools
Presentation Skills for Career Success

Professional Development Options:

Industry Conference
Industry Related Webinar
Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
Industry Panel Discussion

Course Assessments:
This is a Pass/Fail course. To pass, students must:

Successfully complete the 120-hour practicum as verified by the employer.
Attend all weekly tutorials (missing more than 20% of tutorials may result in withdrawal from the course).
Complete four professional development hours.
Deliver quality presentations based on the provided grading rubric.

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
This is a Pass/Fail course.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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