INDUSTRY EDUCATION
“ A student doesn ’ t need to know what they want to do when they come in ,” Klatt added . “ Everyone takes all of the classes . The more they know when they get out , the more valuable they are going to be .”
The Commercial Turf and Grounds Management program at State Tech breaks its class schedule into eight-week sections . The academic year begins in August with the first eight-week section running from August until early / mid-October ; followed by another eight-week section from mid-October to Christmas break . Following the holiday break , students are on campus for another eight-week set of classes , with the academic year concluding the first week of March . First-year students then have a mandatory internship between their first and second years — from March until August .
“ They are on the job , training and making money for six months ,” said Klatt . “ That gives them a chance to focus on the area they are most interested .”
Second-year students follow the same schedule , which allows them to graduate by March of their second year .
Added Klatt , “ We do that so employers have help for a longer amount of time . It allows those on internship to experience multiple seasons , and it allows the graduates to get out there during peak hiring season .”
State Tech students are able to showcase their skills in settings such as the state Professional Agriculture Students ( PAS ) conference , which offers turfgrass , landscape and floriculture competitions , as well as a career-building component .
“ We used to go to nationals with PAS , but the organization focuses more on agriculture ,” said Klatt .
Now , State Tech uses the state PAS as a qualifier , and if students qualify for national PAS , State Tech instead takes them to a national event based on their area of interest — such as the SFMA Student Challenge , the GCSAA Turf Bowl , or the NALP Student Career Days .
“ We have found that it works better for our students , because they can choose their area of interest , which allows them to go and network with people they might not otherwise meet ,” Klatt added .
Although some graduates of the program go on to pursue their bachelor ’ s degree , most go straight into the industry . Many State Tech turf and grounds students gain exposure to potential employers through the department ’ s Commercial Turf and Grounds Career Expo , which brings in dozens of companies from several states to meet existing students .
State Tech alumni have gone on to work for ( among others ) the St . Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs , Milwaukee Brewers , Minnesota Vikings , Kansas City Chiefs , Boston Red Sox , Sporting KC , MU Athletics , as well as professional landscape and design companies , botanical gardens , and golf courses such as Oakmont , Valhalla and Bellerive .
The success of its alumni has helped State Tech when it comes to recruiting new students , and making them aware of the Commercial Turf and Grounds Management program . The department displays banners of the various teams , organizations , golf courses and companies at which its graduates are employed . Prospective students are able to see those banners during their tour of the facilities .
“ A big thing that helps the college as a whole is just getting people to see what we offer ,” said Klatt .
In addition to on-campus tours , State Tech reaches prospective students through career fairs , communication with state high school agriculture teachers , via word of mouth from alumni , and through television commercials during major sporting events .
For more information about the State Tech Commercial Turf and Grounds Management program , visit https :// statetechmo . edu / program / commercialturf-grounds / SFM sportsfieldmanagementonline . com December 2023 | SportsField Management
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