Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1991

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agriculture and Extension Education

Major Professor

John D. Todd

Committee Members

Roy Lessly, George Harris

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the ability level and most desired location of training of the competencies needed for securing entry-level employment in agricultural-related occupations. The objectives were to determine: 1.) The demographic characteristics of the students, teachers and employers participating in the agricultural cooperative education program in Hawkins County, Tennessee. 2.) The types of agricultural-related businesses that are being used as a training center for the agriculture cooperative education program in Hawkins County. 3.) The agricultural-related competencies that students, teachers and employers perceive as being needed for students to be employed in agricultural-related businesses. 4.) The significant differences among the persons involved in their perceptions to the level of importance of the off-farm agricultural competencies. 5.) Places where the students, employers, and teachers perceive that the training for the needed competencies should take place.

Method.A review of literature was made. A questionnaire was developed, field tested, and was hand delivered to all participants including oral and written directions for the researcher to meet the objectives of the study. All data were summarized into tables to show percentages and significant differences among the different groups.

Findings.It was determined that of the 75 students enrolled in the agricultural cooperative education program that 70 percent were seniors and 19 percent of these students had been enrolled in the agricultural education program for three to four years.

Based on mean scores, general business competencies were rated higher than the animal science, agricultural mechanics, or crop and soil science competencies. Seven of the 25 general business competencies showed a significant difference among the groups. The competency, following Instructions, was perceived as the most important general business competency. Other competencies deemed as being of much importance with a average mean score of 3.000 or higher were care for tools and equipment, drive a car or travel safely, maintain good personal appearance, make mathematical calculation accurately, meet the public, use correct English, and use good telephone procedures.

Six of the 22 animal science competencies were perceived as being of some or much importance. Competencies related to the food technology industry were rated the highest of the animal science competencies. These competencies were recognize primal meat cuts, understanding the principles that prevent meat spoilage, identify different package procedures to prevent spoilage, and demonstrate proper sanitary meat handling procedures.

Of the 23 agricultural mechanics competencies, those dealing with safety and proper operation of tools and equipment were rated the highest of those needed for securing entry-level employment in agricultural-related occupations. These competencies were adjust and repair machinery, properly operate equipment, practice safety, use grinders, drill press and other power equipment, and use hand shop tools and equipment. Competencies dealing with diesel engines and advising customers on construction of agricultural projects were of little or no importance.

Eleven of the 20 crop and soil science competencies were rated as having some to much importance which included those dealing with horticultural plants and basic plant growth. These eleven competencies included the following advise customers on fertilizer needs, calibrate a chemical sprayer, calibrate a fertilize distributor, detect nutritional and disease symptoms of plants, grow plants in a greenhouse, grow nursery stock, identify fertilizer materials, identify field and garden seeds and plants, identify insects that affect plants, identify ornamental plants, and identify weeds. The ability to discuss market trends with agriculturalist was rated of little or no importance.

A combination of both school and the work place was deemed as the most favorable location for the development of the needed competencies for securing entry-level employment in agricultural-related occupation. The school was rated as the best place to develop the majority of the agricultural mechanics competencies.

Implications.There should be periodic evaluations of the complete agricultural cooperative program to ensure the development of highly employable high school graduates. There is a major need to expand the program at Volunteer High School to include cooperative education for credit. There is a need for revision to the program especially in the area that were perceived as having little or no importance. More emphasis should be placed on people skills and those competencies with a rating of some and much importance.

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