Course for Shepherds in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

A new course for shepherds in Ticino, developed by the Unione Contadini Ticinesi, to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals.

Contesto

TL;DR - New shepherd course in Ticino, presented April 13th in Bellinzona. - Course covers animal care, pasture management, and public communication. - Training free for first 20 registrants, 200 francs for others. ## Key facts - Course Date: April 13th, 2024 - Location: Bellinzona, Ticino - Organizers: Unione Contadini Ticinesi (UCT), Divisione della formazione professionale (DFP/UFCI), Centro professionale del verde (CPV) of Mezzana - Course Cost: Free for first 20 registrants, 200 francs for others - Course Duration: Starts in September, 12 modules - Certification: Required every 5 years per 2018 cantonal regulations - UN Year: 2026 proclaimed as the year of pastures and shepherds - Shepherd Age: 60% over 50, 10% under 30 in Blenio municipality On April 13th, in Bellinzona, the new course for shepherds in Ticino will be presented, developed by the Unione Contadini Ticinesi (UCT) in collaboration with the Divisione della formazione professionale (DFP/UFCI) and the Centro professionale del verde (CPV) of Mezzana. The course is set in a particular context, as 2026 has been proclaimed by the UN as the year of pastures and shepherds, highlighting the importance of a profession that is 'ancient but more relevant than ever'. The complete training for the alpine season, in fact, includes animal care, pasture management, and relationships with hikers. The role of the shepherd today goes far beyond the simple surveillance of animals: during the alpine season, they contribute to pasture management, collaborate with alpine farmers, and interact with hikers and cyclists. For example, in the municipality of Blenio, shepherds have to manage around 200 heads of cattle on an area of 500 hectares, ensuring that pastures are used sustainably and respecting environmental regulations....

Dettagli operativi

In recent years, the pastoral sector has undergone profound changes. The increase in workload, the presence of large predators, and the introduction of protection measures - such as guard dogs - have transformed the traditional management of flocks. 'Qualified professionals are increasingly in demand', emphasize the promoters, highlighting how the current offer cannot meet the demand. The lack of specific training in Italian has also been a significant factor. The new course aims to fill this gap, also in light of the motion presented in 2023 for the creation of a pastoral school in the Blenio Valley. The training course, developed with the contribution of various sector actors, aims to provide practical and theoretical skills: from animal management to personal safety, to professional rights and duties. The course is open to both those who want to approach the profession for the first time and those who want to deepen their skills. For example, in the municipality of Blenio, 60% of shepherds are over 50 years old, while only 10% are under 30 years old. This data highlights the need to attract new professionals to the sector. The course will be divided into 12 modules, covering topics such as animal nutrition, pasture management, and protection from wild animals. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in internships at agricultural companies in municipalities such as Acquarossa and Torre. The 2018 cantonal regulations on pasture management require shepherds to attend a training course every 5 years to update their skills. The cost of the course is 2,500 francs, but a contribution of 1,000 francs is planned for participants who complete the course successfully. To help participants prepare, an operational checklist has been created, including: - verif...

Punti chiave

The presentation on April 13th will be open to the public, with the option to participate remotely upon registration. The promoters hope to spark interest in Ticino and beyond, given the importance of the agricultural sector in the region. For example, the municipality of Biasca has already seen a 15% increase in the last year in demand for specialized shepherds to manage municipal green areas. If you want to learn more or register, you can visit the website of the Ticino Farmers' Union or contact the Green Professional Center directly. Additionally, to calculate the costs and benefits of a career as a shepherd, you can use our salary calculator, which provides a realistic estimate based on the data provided. For instance, a full‑time shepherd in Lugano can earn up to 55,000 francs per year, taking into account the 2022 regulations that provide a 3% wage increase for agricultural workers. An operational checklist for those interested in this career might include: - Verify the course admission requirements, which include a minimum age of 18 and a middle‑school diploma; - Contact the Green Professional Center for information on enrollment fees, which amount to 500 francs for 2023; - Assess transportation and accommodation costs for attending lessons, which may be held in various Ticinese municipalities such as Locarno or Mendrisio. By comparing practical scenarios, it becomes clear that choosing to become a shepherd can offer a good quality of life, especially for those who love working outdoors and in nature. > "Our goal is to train qualified professionals who can contribute to the sustainable development of Ticino's agriculture," a representative of the Ticino Farmers' Union said. In summary, the shepherd course in Ticino represents a unique opportunity for those intere...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the training course for pastors that will be presented in Bellinzona in 2024?
The training course for pastors is developed by the Ticinesi Farms Union (UCT) in collaboration with the Vocational Training Division (DFP/UFCI) and the Mezzana Vocational Centre (CPV). The course will take place in compliance with current regulations and will comply with UN guidelines for the management of pastures and shepherds.
How much is the full course for shepherds in Bellinzona and what are the conditions for the contribution?
The full course costs 2,500 francs. The first 20 members participate free of charge, while the others will pay 200 francs. A contribution of CHF 1,000 is planned for those who complete the route successfully.
What are the requirements for admission to the new course for shepherds in Ticino?
The course is open to those who want to get closer to the profession or deepen their skills, with basic requirements of interest for pastoral care. A good knowledge of the Italian language is required and the willingness to participate in the theoretical and practical modules.

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