Black Hawk College (BHC) in Moline, Illinois, is launching online cannabis career training programs for people interested in industry careers.
Today, cannabis education provider Green Flower announced a partnership with BHC to offer three industry-focused certificates.
Green Flower says the partnership addresses the growing need for cannabis industry workers with the proper skills and training.
Together, BHC and Green Flower will offer three certificate training programs, Advanced Manufacturing Agent, Advanced Dispensary Associate, and Advanced Cultivation Technician.
Green Flower VP of Higher Education Daniel Kalef says the company is honored to partner with BHC for cannabis industry training.
“Known for creating flexible, student-centered programs that help students start, change, and build careers, Black Hawk is uniquely positioned to help people enter and succeed in the rapidly growing cannabis industry,” says Kalef. “Like other highly regulated industries, the need to have expertise in material handling, quality control, patient care, security, transportation, horticulture, and more is vital to the success of all aspects of the industry and all things people will learn in these courses.”
Education to Meet a Need
Green Flower says there is a growing need in the cannabis industry for skilled workers.
Citing Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) data, Green Flower says there are 113 adult-use dispensaries in Illinois.
An additional 189 conditional licensees are going through the process to receive full dispensary licenses.
According to Leafly data, the Illinois cannabis industry supports approximately 29,000 full-time jobs and boasted $1.78B in sales in 2021.
“The cannabis industry is creating many career opportunities in Illinois,” says BHC Associate Dean of Adult and Continuing Education Barb Courville. “These programs will give students the knowledge needed to work in this rapidly expanding industry.”
Green Flower says the on-demand training platform is comprehensive and made specifically for cannabis professionals.
Enrollees should expect their eight-week course at Black Hawk College to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
Upon program completion, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and gain access to Green Flower’s employer network.
Each course costs $900, but students who enroll before Saturday, February 18, 2023, will receive a $50 discount.