Animal Science Apprenticeship Program

Currently, these livestock operations are facing extreme worker shortages, yet are a significant component of the food supply chain. Further, an increasing number of young adults are challenged to afford the high cost of collegiate training and are looking at careers that expand beyond office work. The Animal Science Apprentice Program (ASAP) is a training program developed and administered by Penn State Extension to support science-based education and career pathways for individuals to acquire applied animal science skills.  Specifically, this program aims to train workers in livestock production for operations such as integrated swine farms, large dairy farms, poultry farms, and egg processing operations. Training provided by ASAP supports individuals and employers in the food animal industries navigating Pennsylvania's changing workforce and exploring non-traditional career paths into animal care and food production.

Apprentices in the program will learn in a structured, supportive, and direct educational program that opens the path to animal caretaker, animal management careers, farm ownership, and allied industry careers. Apprentices, employers, and communities will be benefited by this program through:

• Connecting current and aspiring livestock producers with mentors that provide hands-on, directly applicable education in animal husbandry and production management.
• Expanding the available training routes for communities interested in expanding knowledge in agriculture and food production.

It is the goal of ASAP to expand training resources utilizing a 1-year apprentice program that emphasizes mentor guidance on the job and hands-on training in animal science, husbandry, and care.

If you are interested in learning more about ASAP, please fill out this information form or call Dr. Elizabeth Hines at 814-865-3267.