Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is once again offering its Medical Cannabis Training course developed by Valley Wellness CEO Sarah Trent. The course will begin on May 3, 2021. In addition, in order to increase cannabis training accessibility to a greater number of New Jersey residents, the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (“NJCTA”) will be providing six scholarships to qualified individuals who verify demonstrated financial need.
MCCC’s Medical Cannabis Training is one of the premier cannabis education courses in the state that is designed to train individuals for entry-level positions in the industry.
According to Trent, who developed the course and leads the class, “we saw high enrollment in our 2020 class offerings, but we also saw that some people need financial assistance, so we started looking for sponsors to help create scholarships. The NJCTA was excited to get involved and help develop a plan to make sure those most in need of jobs, who live near existing cannabis operators in the state, had access to job training.”
MCCC’s Medical Cannabis Training is a 15+ hour class that is taught live in five modules, presented over five consecutive Monday nights on Zoom. Module 1 – cannabis laws; Module 2 – cultivation, harvest, manufactured products; Module 3 – the endocannabinoid system; Module 4 – dosing administration, compliance and tracking; and Module 5 – industry speakers. Each module is taught by industry professionals or academics from that area of expertise.
“When we heard this class was being hosted, it was a no-brainer for us to get involved,” said Shaya Brodchandel, president of NJCTA. He continued, “When we formed our organization in 2020, the primary purpose was for NJCTA to serve as a knowledge center for operators to share best practices from inside and outside of New Jersey. It’s a natural fit for us to extend that to the students involved in MCCC’s Medical Cannabis Training program.”
“By participating and creating a scholarship fund for the program,” Brodchandel said, “we get to give back to the community where our members are located while simultaneously finding trained individuals who could be employed by New Jersey cannabis operators in the near future. Partnering with New Jersey Cannabis Certified and Mercer was the perfect way to achieve both of those goals.”
The scholarship is open to those age 21 and over who reside in specified New Jersey zip codes who demonstrate financial need. Individuals who receive the scholarship will be matched with the corresponding cannabis operator for an interview after completing program requirements. Interested applicants can find details including participating zip codes and application information at www.mccc.edu/cannabis. Applications will be accepted March 22 – April 5.
Classes will be held Monday evenings, May 3, 10, 17, 24, and Tuesday June 1, 2021 from 6-9 p.m. via Zoom. Up to 80 seats will be available in May. There is no application process or prerequisites, the class is open to the public and prospective students need only sign up. Students must be at least 18 to register for the class, but please note that most employment in the industry requires employees to be at least 21 years of age and pass a background check.
In order to receive a certificate students must pass a short quiz at the end of the program.
Source: mccc.edu