COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Purdue University’s rich educational history includes Winter Short Courses, which were typically 8-12 week stints for individuals who wanted to farm, but did not want to invest 4 years of their life in higher education. Classes focused on agronomy, animal husbandry, horticulture, and later home economics. Participants would stay at Purdue, and they got an official certificate upon successful completion.
I remember that my father spoke fondly of Purdue’s Winter Short Course, as he was a graduate back in the day.
Recognizing the need to be a modern-day partner in workforce development, Purdue University Extension is bringing back short courses in a different format that should suit many desiring to enhance certain skills to become more employable, earn higher wages, or to possibly advance in their career.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly has committed funding to support workforce training through the Next Level Jobs program. Employers can send employees to trainings and employer reimbursement may be available. Find additional info at www.nextleveljobs.org.
The first two Purdue University short courses are planned for February of 2019. Both courses have been designated as an approved Indiana Workforce Development Training program that reimburses employers for completing the course. Find specific information on these two courses at: https://webapps.dwd.in.gov/INTraining/search-flow.htm?execution=e1s4#.
The first is a Controlled Environment Short Course, Feb. 4-8 and Feb. 11-15. Kyle Daniel, Purdue Nursery & Landscape Outreach Specialist, reported that the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Short Course is an immersive, condensed, intensive entry-level educational experience for personnel in the Controlled Environment industry, as well as those with CEA experience seeking best management practices in the areas of business and horticulture will also find the CEA Short Course useful. The Short Course covers several production systems and associated crops common in CEA production, including greenhouse production systems, vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, high tunnels, and more! Business plans and marketing are also discussed in this program, offering advice on how to help your organization get ahead in a crowded marketplace. Find information on the course and how to register at: https://www.purdue.edu/hla/extension/ceagcourse/.
The second is a Landscape Management Short Course, Feb. 18-22 and Feb. 25-March 1. Daniel reported that The Landscape Management Short Course is an immersive, condensed, intensive entry-level educational experience for personnel in the Green industry, as well as those with experience seeking best management practices in the areas of business and landscape management that is hosted by Purdue University Extension. Find information on the course and how to register at: https://www.purdue.edu/hla/extension/landscapemgmtcourse/.
The cost for both programs, which includes lunch each day, is $2000 per person. The program cost can be reimbursed if certain work requirements are met. A block of hotels have been reserved in Lafayette for participants in the programs.
Contact Kyle Daniel at daniel38@purdue.edu or 765-494-7621 if you have questions about the short courses.
Purdue University Extension Short Courses in the future may be in person, online, or a combination of the two. More diverse course offerings are envisioned.
— John E. Woodmansee, Purdue Extension Educator, Agriculture/Natural Resources
For more news from Indiana, click here.