Kaskaskia College to Offer New Swine Animal Care Technician Apprenticeship in Partnership with Illinois Pork Producers Association

Centralia, IL - Kaskaskia College (KC) is proud to join the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to launch a registered Swine Animal Care Technician Apprenticeship, recently approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program blends paid, on-the-job experience with college coursework, leading to an Animal Science certificate from Kaskaskia College.

Kaskaskia College is one of five community colleges selected to offer the apprenticeship, alongside Illinois Central College, John Wood Community College, Lake Land College, and Lincoln Land Community College.

"Our Agriculture program is thrilled to partner with the IPPA and our regional pork producers to help train future employees for the swine industry," said Dr. Aaron Heinzmann, Kaskaskia College Professor of Agriculture. "As a major economic driver in the agricultural economy in Illinois, Illinois pork leaders have identified the need to support their producers through this innovative approach, and KC Agriculture is looking forward to a successful collaborative effort."

Apprentices will be employed and paid by participating pork producers, with wage increases as skills progress. While working on the job, apprentices complete KC's Animal Science coursework and the competencies required for the Swine Animal Care Technician role. Upon completion (generally two years), apprentices earn a KC certificate and a strong foothold in the livestock industry.

"This apprenticeship channels KC's strengths in agriculture into a clear, paid career pathway for students and a steady pipeline of talent for regional producers," said Julie Obermark, Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services at Kaskaskia College. "It's exactly the kind of workforce solution our farmers, our rural communities, and our students need an opportunity to earn while they learn."

Pork producers who host an apprentice will sign a training agreement and offset the apprentice's tuition, with costs eligible for the Apprenticeship Illinois Tax Credit (up to $5,000 per apprentice per year). KC and IPPA will collaborate with Apprenticeship Illinois Specialists to support employers' onboarding and promotion of the program.

How to apply:

• Career seekers (students): Contact Jennifer Tirey (IPPA) at jennifer@ilpork.com and Kaskaskia College Professor of Agriculture Dr. Aaron Heinzmann at aheinzmann@kaskaskia.edu to learn about local producer placements and enrollment steps.
• Producers (employers): Visit ApprenticeshipIllinois.com to learn about the tax credit and connect with the State Apprenticeship Mentor team, then contact Kaskaskia College Professor of Agriculture Dr. Aaron Heinzmann at aheinzmann@kaskaskia.edu to partner on apprenticeships.

"These five community colleges were initially selected 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. "Each college was eager to participate and work alongside our association to grow jobs within the pork industry."

KC's Agriculture programs prepare students for in-demand roles across livestock, crop science, and agriculture business through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and stackable credentials that lead directly to jobs or transfer. Learn more at www.kaskaskia.edu/agriculture.