Last month, Western Growers officially expanded its Careers in Ag program to California Community Colleges. The program, which originally started with STEM scholars from California State University and University of California, was developed to encourage college students to pursue a career in agriculture and provide them with the resources needed to become the next generation of ag pioneers.

On September 23, Western Growers’ members provided 14 students from Reedley College, College of the Sequoias and West Hills College with guided tours around their operations. Students learned about the various career opportunities available in agriculture, spoke with professionals to learn what type of ag-related activities and jobs they carry out and connected with industry leaders to glean career success tips.

“This tour was one of the most rewarding, well spent time in my college career. It not only informed me but motivated me to continue my education in ag,” said Callie Bassett, an agribusiness major from College of the Sequoias.

This jam-packed day started at HMC Farms in Kingsburg; continued to Agri-Valley Irrigation, Inc., Woolf Farming & Processing, J.R. Simplot Company in Fresno; and ended at Mulholland Citrus at Orange Cove. Visit WG’s Facebook for the full set of images from the tour.

In addition to introducing students to the multitude of career options in ag, the Careers in Ag program also aims to bring bright and enthusiastic minds to our members to help fill their future workforce needs. As the program develops, Western Growers plans to reach out to members to identify job openings and facilitate career placement between graduating students and member companies.

This is the first of many regional tours for the Careers in Ag program for Community Colleges. If any member companies are interested in hosting a tour or have internship/career opportunities, please contact Stephanie Thara at (949) 885-2256.