Indiana is strengthening the link between classroom learning and real-world careers through expanded work-based learning opportunities and Indiana Pork is playing a key role.
Through partnerships with local schools, Indiana Pork is helping students gain hands-on experience in agriculture, from animal care and farm management to business and marketing within the pork industry.
According to Chad Martin, Director of Strategic Outreach at Indiana Pork, “What we have done is partnered with several school corporations. We’ve engaged with several organizations throughout the state to say, hey, now that we have this graduation requirement in the state for work based learning, those students that have to get work based learning hours into graduate high school coming forward, how can the pork industry be a partner in making sure that those graduation requirements happen? But it also is a mutual benefit to our industry to create that pipeline.”
These programs allow students to earn credits while building practical skills that can lead directly to careers after graduation.
Martin continues, “If young people come to our industry needing to know more about quality assurance protocols, we also are providing quality assurance certifications for these high school students. Then that will also meet their credential for graduation requirements. And so we’re providing that training as well at the local level.”
Educators add that work-based learning also gives students a clearer picture of career paths, whether on the farm or in related fields like logistics, veterinary care, and food production.
With agriculture contributing billions to Indiana’s economy, initiatives like these are helping ensure the next generation is ready to carry the industry forward.
