Dale Svehla, supervisor; Grant Hanel, apprentice; Jared Svehla, mentor; Dustin Schlote, Northeast apprenticeship program
A new apprenticeship opportunity in livestock management is helping grow the next generation of agricultural professionals, as Grant Hanel officially signs as an apprentice with Svehla Farms through a partnership with Northeast Community College.
Hanel, who has worked at Svehla Farms for several years, will continue building his hands-on experience while beginning his formal apprenticeship training. As part of the program, he plans to enroll at Northeast in fall 2026 to pursue a degree in Agribusiness while completing his livestock management apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship provides an earn-and-learn pathway, allowing Hanel to gain practical, on-the-job training under the mentorship of Jared Svehla while also developing industry knowledge in the classroom.
“We’re excited to have Grant take this next step with us,” said Dale Svehla of Svehla Farms. “He has already proven himself to be a dedicated and hardworking member of our operation, and this program allows us to continue investing in his growth while strengthening the future of our farm.”
Apprenticeship programs combine paid employment with structured, related coursework, giving students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in real time. Participants are guided by experienced mentors and gain valuable skills that prepare them for long-term careers in their field.
“Grant is a great example of how apprenticeship creates opportunities for students who are already working in their career area,” said Kimberly Andersen, associate director of apprenticeship at Northeast Community College. “He will be able to continue earning, learning, and advancing his education all at the same time, which is exactly what this program is designed to do.”
The apprenticeship program at Northeast was developed to help address workforce needs across the region while providing students with accessible, career-focused education pathways. Programs are available in a variety of fields, including agriculture, skilled trades, business, and healthcare.
For Hanel, the combination of hands-on experience and continued education made the decision an easy one. By remaining at Svehla Farms while pursuing his degree, he will be able to deepen his knowledge of livestock management, business operations, and the agricultural industry.
Apprenticeship programs are open to recent high school graduates, current college students, and individuals looking to advance or change careers - all while earning a paycheck.
Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice or partnering as an employer is encouraged to contact Kimberly Andersen, associate director of apprenticeship at Northeast Community College, at 402-844-7121 or kander61@northeast.edu.
