Plant Milk Graders’ (PMG) Training Program
ODC’s PMG Training Program will provide you with the knowledge that is essential to the role of the Plant Milk Grader, including information about milk quality, milk receiving, cleaning and sanitizing, and milk receiving systems.
Whether you are a dairy employee or a supplier to the industry; whether you are a member of ODC or not, you can gain new skills and confidence through program participation. So, don’t delay! Grow and learn with us by enrolling today!
HOW TO GET STARTED
Once your completed enrollment form and payment are received by ODC, a complete Plant Milk Graders’ Training Program manual will be emailed to you. Along with course completion instructions, the manual includes all home-study lessons with corresponding question and answer sheets and an Employer Endorsement Form. Everything you need to get started is included in your manual.
PROGRAM FORMAT
Completion of the Plant Milk Graders’ Training Program includes the following three steps:
Step 1 – Home Study Element
Successful completion of the home study element is the first step to obtaining your Ontario PMG Certificate. You will have to read each of the four lessons, complete the corresponding assignment, and forward it to the ODC office for grading. Your assignments will be graded, on a confidential basis, and your mark will be sent to you promptly. Once all assignments have been completed, you can proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 – Employer Endorsement Element
In preparation for your PMG Training Session, we strongly recommend that you work a minimum of 50 hours in a milk receiving area under the direct supervision of a certified milk grader. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you assist a certified PMG in the receiving and grading of at least 10 loads of milk prior to attending the PMG Training Session. Record each of the 10 loads on the Employer Endorsement Form (included with your manual) with the results of the load and the signature of the Plant Manager/Supervisor. Submit your completed form to the ODC office where it will be kept on file.
Step 3 – Graders’ Training Session
The final step of the PMG Training Program is to attend an ODC PMG in-person Training Session. Each session will be approximately 1½ days in length and will be held 3-4 times per year in Mississauga. During the session, you will receive training on the techniques of grading milk, perform a practical milk grading exam and complete a written exam on the four home-study lessons.
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for your PMG Certificate, you must complete steps 1-3 listed above, have a minimum of 70% in the written segment (the four home-study assignments are worth a total of 60% of the written mark) and a minimum of 70% in the practical grading segment. Participants who meet the completion requirements will qualify for their PMG Certificate.
PROGRAM COMPLETION POLICY
ODC’s course completion policy requires that at least one home-study lesson be completed per month and submitted to the ODC office for grading. Furthermore, each student is required to attend a PMG Training Session within six months following the completion of the home-study assignments. Failure to comply with this policy will result in suspension, and only written requests for reinstatement received within 30 days of Notice of Suspension will be considered. A reinstatement fee will apply.
UPCOMING TRAINING SESSION DATES
PMG Full Course – 2-day sessions
- September 25 and 26, 2024 (FULLY BOOKED)
- October 23 and 24, 2024
- November 27 and 28, 2024
*Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to enrollment numbers.