Students explore technology, careers at New Holland Ag

Octorara High School students learn about ag mechanics careers

NEW HOLLAND – Twenty-three students from Octorara Area High School explored careers in agriculture through a career showcase field trip to New Holland Agriculture on Monday, November 19. Funding for the trip was provided by CCRES and the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Southeast PA Ag Partnership. Students in Octorara’s drafting and agricultural mechanics classes enjoyed the plant tour.

“I didn’t realize New Holland Ag was owned by Fiat,” said one student, not realizing the connection between automotive and agricultural manufacturing. The tour showcased part creation to full assembly of the New Holland round baler, including testing the completed baler. “I like that the students were able to see the process from start to finish,” school-to-career coordinator David Rutledge said of the tour.

Students appreciated learning about the variety of careers available including machining, computer program writing, robotics, assembly, and product testing. One student added, “The tour gave me a new job to consider. I like knowing what goes into the farm equipment and implements, and how hard people work to provide these resources.”

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Agriculture Partnership, is a program of the Chester County Economic Development Council and the Chester County Workforce Investment Board, with the assistance of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. The mission of the Southeastern PA Agriculture Partnership is to build the capacity of farmers and their supply-chain partners to meet the growing demand for local, fresh foods in the region through investment in business training and workforce development.

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for over 50 years. The CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships, and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit our website, www.cceconomicdevelopment.com.