Livestock apprenticeship announced

The IL Pork Producers Association is proud to announce a new livestock apprenticeship program that has recently been registered with the U.S. Department of Labor with the help of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

This exciting new apprenticeship opportunity will prepare career seekers to succeed in the role of Swine Animal Care Technician. Participating apprentices will receive competitive compensation that will increase with their skill gains as they move through the program. Apprentices will also receive a debt-free education and livestock certificate from one of the five participating community colleges, which include:

- Illinois Central College, East Peoria

- John Wood Community College, Quincy

- Kaskaskia College, Centralia

- Lake Land Community College, Mattoon

- Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield

“These five community colleges were initially selected to participate because they have strong agriculturally based programs and geographically represent a large portion of the swine production in the state,” said Jennifer Tirey, IPPA Executive Director. “When I contacted each of the community colleges to gauge interest they were all very excited to participate and work alongside our association to increase job creation within the pork industry.”

The idea was initially explored after an IPPA board member first proposed the idea of a Swine Technician apprenticeship in early 2025, inspiring IPPA leadership to pursue this workforce strategy on behalf of their producers. “Trade apprenticeships are very common in the state of Illinois,” said Tirey.