The Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program HOEEP

1
The Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program
(HOEEP)

• Francisco Sarmiento
• HOEEP Instructor

2
Introduction

• Washington State is a world leader in fruit
  production
• Apples, pears, cherries, and grapes
• Demographic change in last 15 years
• Change of migratory status
• Many settled in permanent jobs
• Hispanic population has grown about 40
• Workforce. Critical factor in agriculture

3
Programs history

• HOEEP idea began in 1990
• Dr. Kent Mullinix, IRIS director, and Leo Garcia,
  HOEEP coordinator
• The goal the need to educate and incorporate the
  Hispanic workforce
• WVC Advisory Board and growers meetings
• Grant and fruit industry donations
• First official class taught in 1995

4
Concepts

• Curriculum
• Schedule
• Location
• Development of partnerships
• Smooth transition from basic to advanced
  instruction
• Instructors profile
• Benefits

5
Curriculum

• Horticulture. Principles and practices
• English
• Math
• Civics
• GED orientation
• Initial step to higher technical education or
  training

6
Schedule

• Early November-mid-March
• Slowest time of season
• 3 days/week, 4 hours/day
• One day horticulture and two days English, math,
  and civics
• Field trips
• Field practice

7
Location

• HOEEP delivers education
• Where it is requested. Can be customized.
• Student population
• Rotation in WA regions
• Goal to take the HOEEP to other states

8
Partnerships

• Local fruit industry
• Big Bend Community College, Moses Lake
• Columbia Basin College, Tri-Cities area
• Develop partnerships with other colleges
• Not interfering with programs
• Bottom line Education

9
Students transition

• Education from native country
• First generation migrants. Low level or no
  education
• Beginning level bilingual
• Second level in English
• Work-based terminology
• Work-based math

10
Instructors

• Awareness of language and ethnical background
• Students native customs and traditions
• Have the knowledge and skills
• Mentorship
• Everlasting relationship

11
Benefits for employers

• Delegate
• Knowledgeable personnel
• More productive
• Responsible
• Reduce error-margin better yields
• Labor and cost efficient
• Relax and enjoy the weekend!

12
Benefits for employees

• Applicable knowledge
• Self-confidence
• Better employees promotion more money
• Role model
• Increased desire for learning
• Certificate
• Network
• Preparation for advanced studies

13
Statistics

• Average of 20 students per class
• Two or three locations/year
• 310 students have completed HOEEP
• 43 graduating in 2003
• Students wages increase 0.25 up to 2.00/hr.
• Average cost 850.00/student. Includes tuition,
  supplies, and two field trips.

14
Conclusion

• HOEEP originated from the need to educate the
  growing Hispanic workforce
• Serving the industry needs
• Win-win situation employer/employee
• Colleges/ Ag. industry partnership
• Practical and applicable instruction
• Many benefits
• Goal expand to other areas in U.S.

15

• HOEEP coordinating and teaching staff

Dr. Kent Mullinix, IRIS Director Leo
Garcia, HOEEP Coordinator and instructor
Francisco Sarmiento, HOEEP instructor Janet
Heath, IRIS Program Developer
1300 Fifth Street - Wenatchee, WA
98801 509-667-4855