Grain Inspector Development Program
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The Grain Inspector Development Program is a unique program, developed and delivered by the Canadian Grain Commission. This program trains individuals in all of the skills they need to qualify as a working level Grain Inspector. Over up to 4 years, grain inspector trainees work a modular curriculum of class work and practical, hands-on working practicum. Trainees may be based at Canadian Grain Commission headquarters or busy Canadian ports.
Transcript - Grain Inspector Development Program
My name is Philippe.
I work at the Montreal Central office
and I work as a grain inspector trainee.
I applied at the Grain Inspector Development Program
because I had a friend that was working here
and I wanted to see a job where I could improve myself continuously
and it seemed like the program was well structured and it was also looking
for a good financial balance for my career.
Being an inspector trainee of the Canadian Grain Commission.
is a well surrounded place where you have support from your peers
and it is a good team work environment, and I feel like we have
all of the tools necessary for us to improve and to succeed.
So the kinds of learning we do here at the Grain Inspector Development Program
is really well balanced between theory and practice.
We also get to do a lot of workshops and we're learning about.
the 21 official grains here in Canada, as well as the grading process mostly.
So working as a grain inspector
trainee is really different from one day to another.
We get to travel places we never thought we would travel before.
We get to meet people.
We get to stay in hotels.
We get to come here at the office,
work on special projects or help out with the lab.
So it is really stimulating a work environment.
And we also get to do a little bit of overtime,
so it's really good paying for our yearly revenue as well.
So the things I like the most about the
Grain Inspector Development Program is that we get to learn continuously
about the grain industry, the actual grain as well,
and it is really well structured where all of the tools
needed for us to improve or to succeed are given to us,
and then we also have a lot of support, so it’s really a safe space.
So I want it to become a grain inspector
because I want it to have a job that was out of the ordinary
as well as I wanted to put forward my detail-oriented personality,
and I feel valued because we play a crucial role
in the Canadian grain economy as well as exportation and all across the globe.
As a grain inspector trainee, I feel like the challenges we have mostly
is the flexibility of our work, to travel sometimes to work long hour shifts.
We also have to learn quickly for many things,
so if you're good at mathematics, if you're flexible,
if you are detail oriented and you have good mental and physical stamina,
you would be a perfect candidate to join our team.
I would say it is a really dynamic and inclusive work environment
where you can continuously grow, and I really enjoy it.
Key skills
Trainees learn how to evaluate grain quality accurately and efficiently. Grain inspection is an essential part of maintaining Canada’s reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality grain. In 2021, Canada exported $24.5 billion in grain—and a single shipment can be worth millions of dollars!
The Grain Inspector Development Program is tailored to prepare trainees to work in terminal grain elevators at some of Canada’s busiest ports.
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Perform preliminary inspection and analysis of grain samples
Grain inspector trainees learn to divide, prepare and inspect grain samples during vessel loading. They also learn to perform certain analyses, such as protein and moisture content.
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Grade grain samples
Different grains have different grading factors, and grain inspectors learn how to assess them with precision. Most grading factors have very small tolerances. This requires learning and adhering to processes taught in training in order to get consistent and accurate results. Meeting technical competencies is a requirement to remain in the program.
There are approximately 40 grading factors for Canadian wheat alone! Grain inspector trainees learn how to identify and quantify grading factors using tools such as standard samples or prints, magnifying lenses, scales and sieves.
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Draw representative grain samples
Grain grades are assigned based on samples, so it is important that samples accurately represent the entire lot of grain being assessed. Trainees learn how to identify the components of and visually inspect the sampling systems in grain elevators.
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Determine the protein content of wheat
Protein content affects the marketability and functionality of wheat, making it an important grading factor for both producers and exporters. Grain inspector trainees learn to conduct protein analysis using near-infrared reflectance (NIR) instruments.
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Maintain records of inspection data
The Canadian Grain Commission maintains records of inspection data for use generating reports and responding to inquiries or concerns about export results. Trainees learn to generate reporting documentation used to generate loading reports and useful statistics about Canadian grain exports.
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Inspect and verify equipment
Trainees learn to verify inspection equipment, such as protein and moisture machines and precision scales, which are all part of our Quality Management System (QMS).
How trainees progress
Trainees are expected to develop the required technical and behavioral competencies within the 4-year program as they progress from Trainee (PI-CGC-01) to Intermediate (PI-CGC-02) to full working-level Grain Inspector (PI-CGC-03). Trainees that excel in the program and demonstrate strong technical and behavioural competencies may complete the program in less than 4 years.
While in the program, trainees are on probation and receive ongoing mentoring and feedback. Individuals advance to the next level as they successfully meet program milestones and can complete the program in less than 4 years. That means that a trainee’s effort and learning have a direct impact on their advancement through the program, with no need to apply for a promotion up to and including the working level of PI-03 inspector. No quotas exist that would present promotional barriers. In other words, participants who meet the evaluation criteria and time-in-place conditions are not denied promotion to the level they have qualified for.
Quote
I had no prior knowledge or skills about grain inspection before joining the Canadian Grain Commission. Their comprehensive Grain Inspection Developmental Program laid the foundations for learning about grading Canadian grain and their training team did an excellent job making me understand the processes, techniques, and skills needed to be a competent grain inspector. Upon completing the program, I am now a qualified grain inspector and I love my job at the Canadian Grain Commission!
Day-to-day as a trainee
As a major part of Canada’s economy, grain exports never stop moving. Most grain inspector trainees work at busy industrial ports, providing inspection services to terminal elevators. Grain samples are collected, prepared and graded in the Canadian Grain Commission office as a vessel is loaded. Trainees learn how to perform these duties under supervision from on-site Canadian Grain Commission staff. Trainees also perform general office duties and are expected to spend time studying independently. Candidates must be able to meet the physical requirements of the workplace. For more information about qualifications and conditions of employment, refer to the job listing.
Permanently staffed Canadian Grain Commission locations
| Western Canada | Headquarters | Eastern Canada |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prince Rupert, British Columbia | 6. Winnipeg, Manitoba | 7. Thunder Bay, Ontario |
| 2. Vancouver, British Columbia | 8. Hamilton, Ontario | |
| 3. Calgary, Alberta | 9. Montréal, Quebec | |
| 4. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | 10. Baie-Comeau, Quebec | |
| 5. Weyburn, Saskatchewan |
Some locations are only staffed as needed, such as Trois-Rivières. In many locations, trainees rotate between 3 daily shifts: day, afternoon and overnight. They work in teams of 2 to 3 inspectors per location and may have the opportunity to increase their take-home pay by working overtime. Overtime may be required on short notice.
Eastern Canada
In eastern Canada, trainees are based in the following locations:
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Montréal, Quebec
- Baie-Comeau, Quebec
- city of Québec , Quebec
Currently, trainees in eastern Canada attend the Montréal regional office approximately 4 times each year for training. Trainees based in the city of Québec travel to Trois-Rivières as needed. Trainees may also be expected to travel to different grain elevators and ports to deliver services in different locations. For example, trainees based in Hamilton may be required to travel to other grain handling facilities in southern Ontario. Trainees in Thunder Bay would regularly travel to different worksites in the city.
Grain movement out of eastern Canada fluctuates due to freezing lakes and river systems. Trainees and grain inspectors are expected to travel to work when and where they are needed throughout the year.
Western Canada
In western Canada, trainees work out of the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver, British Columbia. Inspectors also work in prairie service centers in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Trainees in western Canada typically attend the Vancouver regional office approximately 4 times each year for training. Vancouver and Prince Rupert are very busy ports, so grain inspectors and trainees work in rotating shifts and are often expected to work overtime. This is often on short notice and is usually a full extra shift. Weekend overtime is also scheduled by the shift. Staff from the prairie service centers receive training in both Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Headquarters
Trainees may also work out of Canadian Grain Commission headquarters in downtown Winnipeg. These trainees receive their training in Winnipeg and occasionally travel to other locations to help deliver services.
Career paths
The Grain Inspector Development Program can be the first step towards a rewarding career in the public service. Though many choose to spend their careers as grain inspectors, there may be opportunities to become an inspection specialist, inspection trainer, supervisor, or manager. There are many ways for graduates to apply their skills and grow well beyond the completion of the program.
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