MONROE - An expected increase in the need for agribusiness workers is prompting Blackhawk Technical College in Monroe to start a new diploma program in January.
The one-year Agribusiness Specialist diploma program is being created in response to a growing need, said program instructor Dustin Williams. BTC surveyed area agribusinesses and found:
• 85 percent of businesses have trouble finding qualified individuals with the appropriate skills and education for entry-level agribusiness positions.
• 74 percent of area businesses believed there would be an increased demand for introductory level ag workers in the next four years.
"The career outlook for agribusiness is promising as we look for the agriculture industry to produce renewable energy, to feed our world populations and to produce better quality and more specialized foods," Williams said.
Survey numbers back that up: Rock and Green County employers expect there to be more than 320 positions available within the next four years. Pay for such positions ranges from $9 to $26 an hour.
Students enrolling will take courses covering a variety of topics: Plant Science, Agribusiness Management; Nutrient Management; Pest Management Principles/Pesticide Applicator Training; Special Topics in Ag; Ag Commodity Marketing; and CDL training. All courses will be at the Monroe campus. Class times have not been scheduled but will during the day Monday through Thursday.
"Students in BTC's program will be able to build a broad base of agricultural knowledge to help them obtain employment in any agricultural business sector," Williams said.
That includes hands-on skills in animal, plant, nutrient and soil sciences; applied theory in ag business, commodity marketing and career development; cutting edge knowledge of emerging ag technologies and sustainability techniques; and internship experience in agribusiness and production agriculture.
The program will prepare students for a variety of agribusiness careers, such as working in grain elevators or co-op, pest management, fertilizer applications and driving trucks, Williams said.
The course of study is appropriate for recent high school graduates, as well as older students looking at a career change. Workers who have been layed off, for example, may "see going into agribusiness as a hot opportunity," Dean of BTC's Monroe campus Christine Wellington said.
"BTC is very committed to this program," she said, adding Williams has done a great job of building the program from scratch. Williams previously was the ag teacher and FFA advisor at Black Hawk School. "We're thrilled to pieces to have him," she said.
For more information about the Agribusiness Specialist program, contact Williams at 329-8210. Students can begin the admission process now at www.blackhawk.edu.
Financial ad is available for students in the program, but students should enroll early to make arrangements. Credits earned in the program also will be transferable to an Information Technology Services associate degree with business emphasis.
The one-year Agribusiness Specialist diploma program is being created in response to a growing need, said program instructor Dustin Williams. BTC surveyed area agribusinesses and found:
• 85 percent of businesses have trouble finding qualified individuals with the appropriate skills and education for entry-level agribusiness positions.
• 74 percent of area businesses believed there would be an increased demand for introductory level ag workers in the next four years.
"The career outlook for agribusiness is promising as we look for the agriculture industry to produce renewable energy, to feed our world populations and to produce better quality and more specialized foods," Williams said.
Survey numbers back that up: Rock and Green County employers expect there to be more than 320 positions available within the next four years. Pay for such positions ranges from $9 to $26 an hour.
Students enrolling will take courses covering a variety of topics: Plant Science, Agribusiness Management; Nutrient Management; Pest Management Principles/Pesticide Applicator Training; Special Topics in Ag; Ag Commodity Marketing; and CDL training. All courses will be at the Monroe campus. Class times have not been scheduled but will during the day Monday through Thursday.
"Students in BTC's program will be able to build a broad base of agricultural knowledge to help them obtain employment in any agricultural business sector," Williams said.
That includes hands-on skills in animal, plant, nutrient and soil sciences; applied theory in ag business, commodity marketing and career development; cutting edge knowledge of emerging ag technologies and sustainability techniques; and internship experience in agribusiness and production agriculture.
The program will prepare students for a variety of agribusiness careers, such as working in grain elevators or co-op, pest management, fertilizer applications and driving trucks, Williams said.
The course of study is appropriate for recent high school graduates, as well as older students looking at a career change. Workers who have been layed off, for example, may "see going into agribusiness as a hot opportunity," Dean of BTC's Monroe campus Christine Wellington said.
"BTC is very committed to this program," she said, adding Williams has done a great job of building the program from scratch. Williams previously was the ag teacher and FFA advisor at Black Hawk School. "We're thrilled to pieces to have him," she said.
For more information about the Agribusiness Specialist program, contact Williams at 329-8210. Students can begin the admission process now at www.blackhawk.edu.
Financial ad is available for students in the program, but students should enroll early to make arrangements. Credits earned in the program also will be transferable to an Information Technology Services associate degree with business emphasis.