The Center for Dairy Excellence is looking for individuals to be pre-apprentices in the Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Program. In April of 2023, CDE registered a Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship was registered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in December of 2023.
The purpose of this Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship is:
- To provide students an opportunity to gain foundational knowledge, information, and skills about the dairy industry.
- To prepare individuals to enter and succeed in the Registered Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship.
- To allow students to explore and learn about exciting careers in the dairy and agriculture industry.
Learn more about the expectations for pre-apprentices. Click here to submit an online application. Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis.
Expectations of the Pre-Apprentice
- The apprentice should be a high school student in grade 11 or grade 12.
- Farm experience is not required.
- Must participate in an informational session with the Center for Dairy Excellence Workforce Development Manager.
- Must complete the OSHA 10 General Industry Agriculture online safety course successfully.
- Must complete the Introduction to Dairy and the Dairy Herd Management online courses in the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow curriculum with at least 80% mastery. Click here to learn more about the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program.
- Must spend at least four hours each on two different Pennsylvania dairy farms with the dairy producer and/or dairy herd manager, touring the farm, learning about key areas, and meeting with industry professionals. Note: If the pre-apprentice is employed on a dairy farm, then proof of at least eight hours worked can be used instead.
- Must participate in check-ins and reviews with the CDE Workforce Development Manager to ensure timely completion of the pre-apprenticeship.
- Must participate in career development activities with their local CareerLink.
Questions?
Contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316 with additional questions.