What's Happening?
Sunrise Cooperative has initiated the RISE FFA Career Program to tackle workforce challenges in the agriculture sector. The program, known as Recruiting Innovative Sunrise Employees, connects top FFA high school graduates with stable, well-paying jobs at Sunrise Cooperative. This initiative was born from a conversation between George Secor, President and CEO of Sunrise Cooperative, and the Ohio FFA Foundation, addressing the need for new talent as many long-time employees approach retirement. The program offers full-time employment immediately after high school, competitive wages, and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and profit sharing. Participants gain hands-on experience in various divisions such as grain, agronomy, and energy, through structured rotations and training, referred to as 'Sunrise University'. Since its inception in 2020, the program has hired 54 graduates, maintaining a retention rate of nearly 85%.
Why It's Important?
The RISE program is significant as it provides a solution to the impending workforce shortage in agriculture due to retiring employees. By offering immediate employment and training to high school graduates, Sunrise Cooperative ensures a steady influx of motivated and skilled workers. This approach not only benefits the cooperative by filling roles with energetic employees but also offers young individuals a viable career path without the burden of college debt. The program strengthens the agriculture industry by retaining talent and supporting local FFA chapters through donations. Additionally, the expansion of the model to other companies through the Ohio FFA Works program broadens opportunities for FFA graduates, enhancing the overall workforce in agriculture-related careers.
What's Next?
The RISE program is set to continue its growth, with Sunrise Cooperative planning to hire more graduates each year. The success of the program has led to its expansion beyond Sunrise, with other companies participating in the Ohio FFA Works program. This expansion will provide more FFA graduates with immediate employment opportunities in agriculture, further strengthening the industry. Sunrise Cooperative will continue to support the Ohio FFA by providing vehicles and donations, ensuring the program's sustainability and impact on local chapters. As the program evolves, it may inspire similar initiatives in other states, promoting workforce development in agriculture nationwide.
Beyond the Headlines
The RISE program highlights the importance of innovative workforce solutions in traditional industries like agriculture. By focusing on practical training and immediate employment, the program challenges the conventional path of higher education, offering an alternative that addresses economic and social concerns related to student debt. It also emphasizes the role of community partnerships in driving sustainable development, as seen in the collaboration between Sunrise Cooperative and the Ohio FFA Foundation. The program's success could influence other sectors facing similar workforce challenges, encouraging them to adopt similar models to attract and retain young talent.
