Northeast Community College is opening educational doors for students interested in the green industry-minded careers. The Norfolk, Neb., school has created an irrigation technology program, and the curriculum’s first crop of students is already on the go.
The curriculum is the result of collaboration between Northeast Community College and Valmont Irrigation.
“The goal was keeping farm kids close to their rural roots,” explained Greg Bartlett, director of marketing, Valmont. “Many young people today leave farming communities because of a lack of career opportunity. Our dealers are in need of young people with technical skills to service a growing population of center pivots across Nebraska, the United States and the world.”
Bartlett refers to the new program as a win-win situation for Northeast students and his company.
“The degree will prepare students to work in the expanding irrigation industry,” emphasized Chuck Pohlman, dean of agriculture, health and science at Northwest. “The classes will offer valuable technical and management skills which will provide an excellent background for employment in the center pivot irrigation industry. A combination of specialized electrician, technical, welding and agriculture classes will give students a balanced education in irrigation technology.”
The author is Internet Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.