Starting in the fall, Fox Valley Technical College students can pursue a new certificate that will prepare them for a career in the meat industry, where workers are in high demand.

In response to the labor shortage, earlier this year Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced up to $5 million in state funding to be used, in part, to attract and provide financial support to students interested in meat processing training programs.

As a result, FVTC has created a career pathway that combines several courses already being taught in the Culinary and Agriculture programs, plus an internship component, to create an 8-credit certificate in Meat Talent. With the state funding, students who successfully advance through the program will receive tuition reimbursement.

Agriculture instructor Kaitlin Spierings and Culinary instructor Chef Jeff Igel have been instrumental in designing this new educational opportunity and recognize the urgency for more skilled meat workers in Wisconsin. “The industry is just crying for help,” Chef Jeff Igel said. “Our response to that need is we want to generate more individuals that are professionally trained, who can go right into the workforce and start making an impact almost immediately.”

DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski visited the college to learn more about FVTC’s program and tour the learning labs where students will get hands-on training.

Watch and listen:

Spectrum News1: New FVTC program aims to produce more skilled meat workers

Fox11: Fox Valley Tech starts meat talent certificate program to address labor shortage

Mid-West Farm Report: Your next butcher – coming soon – FVTC