In CTE Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster classes, the topic is life. As long as human beings inhabit the planet, we will have a need for scientists and technicians to ensure that we are responsibly managing our food production and our natural resources consumption.

This career cluster is organized into eight career pathways:

• Animal systems
• Agribusiness systems
• Biotechnology systems
• Environmental service systems
• Food products and processing systems
• Natural resources systems
• Plant systems
• Power, structural and technical systems

Students in agriculture, food and natural resources learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

Agriculture bankers Commodity traders Plant pathologists Agronomists ARS Scientists Agriculture mechanics Ranchers Farmers Production supervisors Natural resource specialists Biochemists USDA Graders	USDA Inspectors Meat processors Wholesale food purchasers Irrigation specialists Horticulture specialists Landscapers Turf managers Agriculture education teachers Forest geneticists Extension specialists Veterinarians
Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organization for agriculture, food and natural resources is Washington FFA.

It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes in agriculture, food and natural resources, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• A certificate in green industry careers
• An apprenticeship
• A two- or four-year college program to become an agriculture scientist, teacher or banker; an agriculture financial manager; or a veterinarian

Student Resources

Middle and High School

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• Career and Technical Education - Washington
(360) 725-6245
careerandcollegeready@k12.wa.us
www.careerandcollegeready.com
• Navigation 101: A life skills and planning program for students in grades 6 through 12 to help them make clear, creative plans for their education and training in high school and beyond

Apprenticeship and College
More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Apprenticeship Washington: The future is in your hands
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Washington Career Bridge
• Students.gov
— An official U.S. Department of Education web site designed for college students and their families. Provides easy access to educational information and resources.
• WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
• WSU Agriculture Education
— Become an agriculture, food or natural resources teacher and leader

Additional Resources

• National FFA Organization
• United States Department of Agriculture
• VetTech.org
• Washington Agriculture & Forestry Education Foundation — Offers seminars to help participants increase and expand their leadership skills
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources
• Washington State Farm Bureau — Twenty-five county organizations that provide services to their members including health insurance and banking
• World Wine Program — Offers wine-related courses, events and industry training including Wine Trade Professional certification
• Washington State Veterinary Medical Association