Agriculture and Natural Resources Sector Leader
Pacific Education Institute 

Sector Leader Contacts:

Employer-Identified priority occupations for Career Connected Learning:

  • Farm Worker
  • Agronomist/Field Consultant
  • Forester
  • Conservation Tech
  • Livestock Manager
  • Animal Nutrition Specialist

Career Connected Learning programs needed to address those workforce priorities:

  • Youth Apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing: Continued support and expansion of youth apprenticeship models—such as those led by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) in partnership with Sierra Pacific Industries and local school districts.

High-impact sector programs supported by CCW and the Sector Leader:

  • MAC Welding & Fabrication Project: This initiative has developed a statewide, open-source framework for welding and fabrication training that serves Washington's maritime, agriculture & natural resources, and construction industries. Aligned with OSPI standards and U.S. Department of Labor career clusters, the model is designed to be freely accessible, scalable, and adaptable—enabling educators and employers to co-develop industry-validated training programs that lead to skilled, in-demand careers.
  • K–12 Agriculture & Food Literacy Framework: Created by the Pacific Education Institute with support from the Agriculture & Natural Resource Center of Excellence, this framework provides educators with grade-banded resources that integrate food-system literacy into classroom learning. Organized around seven systems-based themes—including sustainability, technology, and civic responsibility—it equips students to explore the role of agriculture in their communities and discover related career pathways across Washington's vital food and agriculture sector.
  • Sierra Pacific Industries Youth Apprenticeship: At its Shelton, WA sawmill and fabrication shop, Sierra Pacific Industries operates a registered Youth Apprenticeship in partnership with AJAC and Elma High School. The program hires high school juniors and seniors into paid roles, combining 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with high school and tuition-free college credit. Launched in 2022, it offers a direct route into journey-level roles in millwrighting, machining, and industrial maintenance. 

Learn More: Explore detailed recommendations in the 2025 Agriculture and Natural Resources Sector Strategy (developed by the previous CCW Sector Leader, the Agriculture & Natural Resource Center of Excellence). You can also view a brief sector strategy summary, discover how to get involved as an employer, or contact the Sector Leader directly for more information.