The Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council has announced its membership, purpose statement and goals after several years of inactivity.
The group aims to support agricultural education instructors to find ways to reach every student to highlight the opportunities available in agriculture; partner with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to embrace and promote the development of a statewide agriculture career pathway; and research current trends, evaluate established perspectives, and develop a branding, marketing and public outreach plan for careers in agriculture.
"We all know there are long-standing workforce challenges across our state, in many different industries and markets," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "It's critical that we work together in addressing those challenges with both short-and long-term solutions. This council is one way to build the connections necessary to ensure a bright future for our agricultural industry and our state's economy."
According to its purpose statement, the council provides advice and counsel to state agencies, educational institutions, and the Wisconsin Legislature on matters related to agricultural education and workforce development. In addition, the council helps attract, develop, and retain the superior workforce required to grow Wisconsin's production agriculture, agribusiness, food, and natural resource sectors.
The WAEWDC will be chaired by Sara Schoenborn of the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association. Other Executive Committee members will include Pechacek, Randy Romanski, DATCP; Sharon Wendt, DPI; Gwendolyn Boettcher, DeForest School District; Jeff Edgar, Silver Creek Nurseries; Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol; Betsy Leonard, Wisconsin Technical College System; and Paul Palmby, Seneca Foods.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business