Local employers - partners in curriculum development
KCC partnered with area businesses to design and revise the Agriculture-Horticulture curriculum. The advisory committee is composed leaders from local agriculture and students.
Matt Perreault, sales/research and development manager, at Shoup Manufacturing in Kankakee, is on the advisory committee. Shoup Manufacturing markets and distributes quality replacement parts for farm equipment directly to the American farmer. Shoup approached KCC about internship opportunities available for students, and the relationship between the two entities blossomed.
“Our relationship with KCC has allowed us to suggest ways their program can benefit the industry,” said Perrault. “The KCC is an affordable way for those who want to get hands-on experience and learn best practices to get a jump start on their career.”
The new curriculum fulfills the need for businesses to hire new employees as well as retain current employees.