Identifying the concepts, principles, and applications of technology needed by entry-level workers in food, environmental, and natural resource systems in 2010

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to revise the competencies that are needed to move the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics career development event (CDE) into the 21st Century. The following objectives were used to guide the study: 1. The primary objective was to determine the competencies needed by entry-level workers in the food and natural resource industry. 2. The secondary objective was to establish a knowledge base for high school agricultural mechanics educators. A need was identified by the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Committee for revision of the current competencies used in the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics CDE. This project was designed to support or eliminate current competencies and establish new competencies for the next ten years. A need was established for the use of expert industry representatives to provide the data to update the agricultural mechanics competencies, with a consensus to be achieved among a diverse group of industry representatives. The experts identified for this panel had a strong physical and social science background and did not have a strong background in the biological sciences The Delphi method was used to obtain data from industry experts. The collected data represented what the industry experts believed to be the competencies needed by entry-level workers. An unstructured Q-sort was used to group the statements received from the industry experts. The following are examples of competency statements found in this study: (a) They must be literate in current technologies including computers and electronics as well as traditional electrical and mechanical systems, (b) Using technology to determine cost per units, per hour, per bushel, and per acre helps determine value and future buying decisions. A frequent evaluation of agricultural mechanics curricula is needed to keep programs in line with technology. The collected data led the researcher to believe that industry is currently looking for an entry-level worker who has strong comprehension and problem-solving skills and is able to learn continuously. The industry is no longer looking for an entry-level worker who is heavily trained in a specific area.