Hispanic Orchard Employee Education

This certificate program is designed to increase the professional abilities of agricultural employees (and their contributions to operations) through greater understanding of:

• Horticultural science
• Current production technology
• The English language and communication skills
• Mathematics
• Computers
• Cultural and social systems.

The Hispanic orchard employee education program (HOEEP) consists of approximately 19 weeks of instruction beginning in mid-October and continuing until mid-March. Classes are held three times each week in four-hour blocks from mid-afternoon to early evening. Classes take place in communities throughout Central Washington as well as on the Wenatchee campus.

Students should have basic English conversational skills and some ability to read and write in Spanish. Regular attendance is a necessity; therefore students (and their employers) must be committed to attending all classes to obtain maximum benefits and to complete the program.

Academic preparation may allow students to take some of the first-year tree fruit production program's agricultural courses on an independent-study basis. Eligibility for this program will be determined by instructors on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning Level (AGRI 005)
Basic Horticulture: introduction to viticulture, plant physiology, soils, irrigation, integrated pest management, pruning/training, equipment maintenance and calibration, safety, orchard economics, personnel management, and recertification credits. Instruction is in Spanish. Includes fruit industry field trips.

English and Math : phonics, reading, basic writing, listening comprehension, communication skills, basic mathematical operations, word problems, introduction to computers, and subjects concerning everyday life and citizenship. Instruction is in English.

Advanced Level (AGRI 006)
More in-depth focus on beginning level subjects: higher levels of English and math, emphasis on economics and modern production systems. All instruction is in English. Students will be placed in the advanced level with approval of the instructors.