The Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE) 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 pre-apprentice should be a high school student in grade 11 or grade 12.
• Farm experience is not required.
• Participate in an informational session with the Center for Dairy Excellence Workforce Development Manager.
• Complete the OSHA 10 General Industry Agriculture online safety course successfully.
• Complete the Introduction to Dairy and the Dairy Herd Management online courses in the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow curriculum with at least 80% mastery.
• 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. Please note that if the pre-apprentice is employed on a dairy farm, then proof of at least eight hours worked can be used instead.
• Participate in check-ins and reviews with the CDE Workforce Development Manager to ensure timely completion of the pre-apprenticeship.
• Participate in career development activities with their local PA CareerLink®.

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