AgTEC WORKFORCE

Developing a skilled workforce pipeline for sustainable food production and manufacturing.

AgTEC Workforce program bridges the skills gap and prepares individuals for the future of agriculture technology, with an opportunity to obtain an AgSystems Certificate through six local community colleges.

With curriculum informed by extensive farmworker surveys and industry collaboration, AgTEC’s innovative approach involves competency-based education (CBE), which assesses and rewards individuals based on their demonstrated competencies, avoiding redundant traditional coursework. This approach reflects a transformation in agricultural training, fostering collaboration between industry, colleges, and workers, aimed at providing responsive and practical solutions.

As part of our effort to create a comprehensive and inclusive AgTEC Program, 12,000 surveys were conducted across Madera, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties to gather insights from California’s farmworkers. The data collected was foundational in informing the AgTEC approach, emphasis, direction for curriculum, and policy implications. Efforts were guided by labor market data, feedback from farmworker and industry surveys, and the identification of critical strands and teams necessary for the program’s successful implementation. Through this collaborative approach, the curriculum ensures that the workforce is trained based on practical skills, enabling them to tackle real-world scenarios effectively.

College Map & Coursework

AgTEC's flagship initiative, the Ag Systems Certificate, is a groundbreaking 12-unit competency-based education program available at six community colleges.

Competency-Based Learning

Digital Literacy
Basic Equipment Operations
Basic Equipment Configuration
Basic Equipment Troubleshooting
General Ag Systems Fundamentals
Crop Production Systems
Tool Operation
Applied Technical Reading
Interpersonal Skills
Animal Production Systems
Food Safety
Basic Safety
Industry Communications
Applied Technical Writing

Students have control over the time, place, and pace of their learning. The curriculum is asynchronous and self-paced, allowing students to advance after mastering each competency through summative assessments. Competencies are clearly defined and are explained to students at the beginning of the program.

The AgTEC program puts the student at the center of the education process, allowing them to learn and/or demonstrate essential agriculture skills.

Partners

Mexican/Salvadoran Consulates

Visit the AgTEC Workforce website to learn about the latest program updates!

F3agtec.org