Annual Agriculture Career Fair
February 18, 2015
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula News
High school students found a feast of opportunity recently at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The second Annual Agriculture Career Fair drew students who gained firsthand knowledge and information about one of California’s most vital industries, agriculture.
One of the stars of the afternoon was the Aspen Helicopter, which landed and took off from the Museum’s garden area. There was much to learn and enjoy inside the Museum’s distinctive red building that captures both the past and the future of agriculture.
Businesses, agencies, and educators offered a bounty of facts designed to help students in preparation and planning for employment opportunities. Students could discover the practicalities of gardening and benefits of healthy eating. Food Corps Service Member Ryan Griffith presented information about the program that builds school gardens and promotes healthy eating. “This is my dream job,” he said.
The students appreciated the chance to talk to the representatives and learn a variety of possibilities, and maybe find their dream job in agriculture. “This is a great opportunity for people to find out more about what we eat, the people who grow food, and how it is grown,” Santa Paula High School student Alexis Robles said. She added that the Career Fair could help in the future choice of a college major.
Erynn Smith talked with students about The Abundant Table and Community Supported Agriculture, which provides nutrition education programs. Join the Farm, a program of The Abundant Table, maintains a local five-acre farm. “There is nothing more dignified than growing food to feed the community,” she said.
Sabrina Canola, Ventura College Administrative Assistant, provided students with information about continuing their education close to home. “Ventura College has a Santa Paula campus,” she said. “It is a local resource here in Santa Paula.”
Sylvia Sanchez and Martha Hurtado introduced students to the Saticoy Lemon Association. “We’re participating in the career fair to let some of the youth know we’re in the county, and see if they are interested in working for us,” Sylvia Sanchez said.
Limoneira Director of Marketing John Chamberlain addressed the crowd. “We love the Agriculture Museum at Limoneira,” he said. “The Agriculture Museum is a strong proponent of agriculture and our community, with events like this one tonight. It helps people get jobs.”
“There are great jobs to be had in agriculture,” Chamberlain said. “You can get a good job in agriculture, do great things, and serve your community. This is a great thing you are doing here tonight.”
A series of workshops helped prepare students for their job-seeking days. They learned all-important skills, such as resume writing, with “Create a Killer Resume.” Public speaking and interviewing were covered with “Give a Speech like a Boss,” and “Nail an Interview.” The workshops were well attended.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Associates Insectary, Cal Poly Pomona, Reiter, and the Ventura County Agriculture Commission were among the exhibitors at the Career Fair.
Santa Paula High School student Kate Ruiz wants a career in agriculture, and plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “We looked at different opportunities,” she said. “It opened my eyes to a whole new aspect.”
Reviews of the arrival and departure of Aspen’s agricultural helicopter ranged from “awesome” to “exhilarating.” Santa Paula High School student Ricky Rodriquez and friends enjoyed the display. “To experience it, to hear it, we loved it,” he said. “It was pretty cool.”
