LANCASTER – The Wisconsin Pork Association needs college students in the swine industry and want to expand their knowledge and understanding. The WPA encourages students to visit https://www.wppa.org/mentorship-program/ to learn more.
What is the Mentorship Program?
The Wisconsin Pork Association Mentorship Program is a program for college students with a passion for agriculture and interest in the swine industry. Participants will expand their knowledge of the swine industry through hands-on experiences and job shadows, involvement in pork industry programs, and partaking in Wisconsin Pork Association activities. The program, which has a strong focus on career development, will provide opportunities to network with pork industry leaders, identify future career goals, and create valuable connections with potential employers. The program mentors will be announced January 2022. The program will begin in February 2022 and conclude in October 2022.
Who Can Participate?
The Mentorship Program is geared towards college-age students with an interest in agriculture and/or the swine industry. Prior experience in the pork industry is not needed to apply, but applicants must be a Wisconsin resident, enrolled full-time at a post-secondary school.
What Will I Do?
Throughout the course of a year, applicants will be immersed into the pork industry by participating in pork industry programs, activities and job shadows. The WPA gives applicants an entire year to complete activities to accommodate college class schedules and other commitments.
Some activities to participate in include:
• World Pork ExpoWorld Pork Expo
Join over 20,000 pork producers and industry professionals for the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. The event also includes educational seminars for producers and training courses for swine industry advocates.
• Pork Schoppe at the Wisconsin State Fair
The Pork Schoppe has been a staple at the Wisconsin State Fair for over 30 years. The Pork Schoppe is a fundraiser for Wisconsin Pork Association where we serve delicious pork sandwiches to fairgoers.Job Shadows
Learn first-hand about the employment opportunities the swine industry has to offer. Spend time shadowing a farmer, veterinarian, nutritionist, loan officer, butcher or engineer.
• Wisconsin Pork Association Annual Meeting
Meet the Wisconsin Pork Association membership and learn about the important role WPA members have in the success of the organization. Applicants also have a chance to show WPA members all of the exciting things they’ve experienced as part of the Mentorship Program.
How Do I Apply?
Go to https://www.wppa.org/mentorship-program/ and click on the application form.
Have More Questions?
To get questions answered and learn more about the Mentorship Program, contact the WPA office at 608-723-7551 or email wppa@wppa.org.
