WENATCHEE STEM STUDENTS TOUR HIGH-TECH AGRICULTURE SITE

The tour of Stemilt was part of a professional development platform developed by WSOS to connect students with industry professionals, provide networking opportunities and a better understand career pathways in their fields of interest. GWATA extended this opportunity to WVC students taking related coursework.

During the visit, students learned about Stemilt’s daily operations through a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of its production lines and facilities. Zach Williams, Stemilt Director of Human resources, led the event and brought in department heads from Accounting, IT, Operations, Quality Control, and Sales. Students had an opportunity to learn about each department and what skillsets are required as well as the wide-range of positions within the organization. The event’s ultimate goal was to give students a better understanding of not just the company itself, but also the opportunities in the agriculture industry in North Central Washington.

“After taking the tour at the Stemilt Growers, I was fascinated to see how technology assists employees in sorting the cherries, which tremendously increases the efficiency of the process,” said one student on the tour. I learned that all staff at different departments work together as a family to accomplish the mission of delivering high quality products to their valued customers. After staying for a few hours at the company, I felt the friendly culture of this organization which was radiating from every employee that I saw and talked to.”

The Industry Exploration tour was organized by GWATA, The Apple STEM Network, and WSOS. “GWATAs mission is to bring people and technology resources together to create a thriving community” said Jenny Napier, executive director for GWATA. “We have a rich offering of local Technology and STEM jobs in NCW. Organizing this tour was a natural fit for our organization because highlighting career opportunities and our business members is one of the ways we serve our community.”

“This industry exploration is the kind of collaboration that really highlights the value of a regional STEM Network,” said Sue Kane, Director of the Apple STEM Network.  “The Apple STEM Network works through collective impact, which makes it possible for 501C organizations like GWATA, government programs like WSOS, and local industry leaders like Stemilt to intersect around a common goal to get students exposed to excellent STEM careers.”

This was the first WSOS Industry Exploration held outside of the Seattle-Metro area. With students hailing from every county in Washington, WSOS aims to continue to work collaboratively with industry leaders in STEM and health care fields across the State to highlight companies and careers and professional opportunities for Scholars. All three organizations would like to thank the entire Stemilt Team for their time and support of this event.