is a vocational agriculture (VoAg) non-profit organization that provides training for at risk youth and individuals with disabilities. The primary objective of the program is to prepare students to enter the workforce better equipped for obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. This is a unique training course in green industry jobs that provide students with a well-rounded introductory educa
tion in agricultural and grounds maintenance job opportunities. In addition, students learn other important job readiness concepts such as work ethics, employer expectations, job safety and teamwork. According to Johnny Craig, owner of Fresh Cuts Lawn Care, “entry level job applicants very rarely come with any experience or training in the industry. To receive an application from an entry level employee with a well-rounded formal training would be invaluable to a potential employer. It would make the applicant truly stand out in a crowd and make my job easier.” The burden to train young adults entering the workforce falls heavily on the shoulders of the business owners. This program has been designed specifically to meet the needs of potential employers in the industry, therefore making the graduates much more employable. I do, and I understand.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb. While the students are provided with a well developed curriculum, the whole program is designed around hands-on training projects. Greenhouse Education: The facility currently includes a 3,000 sq. greenhouse with additional greenhouses scheduled for construction. Students are involved in growing vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, watercress, basil and tomatoes using aquaponic and traditional growing methods. Job Readiness: Most of the courses offered provide training in completing a job application and job interviewing skills. All graduates from the TEENS program receive a certificate of successful completion to assist with the job application process. In addition, graduates will be provided with three professional references in the industry for future job applications and a list of tools and skills to include on their job application. Both the professional references and certificate have provided past graduates with a tangible advantage over other entry level applicants competing for the same jobs. Giving Back: An important component in the TEENS program is to teach job and life skills simultaneously, while teaching the students to “give back” to their own community. Students receive “on the job training” during the course where many of their projects (IE: landscaping, mulching, pruning, lawn-care and seasonal clean-ups) are provided as a community service to other non-profit or community organizations, elderly or disabled individuals. In addition, a portion of the crops are donated to other non-profits such as soup kitchens or homeless shelters. We are always looking for new projects in the community and welcome your recommendations.
