Wisconsin Farm Center

Vocational Careers

For people who have been farmers most of their lives, sometimes the hardest part in the decision to seek an off-farm job is to know what to do after you've made that decision. The Wisconsin Farm Center can help farmers or their family members make a successful transition to off-farm employment. It can help them examine their skills and explore their career options, regardless of whether they're looking to add off-farm income to the farm operation, start a new small business or seek off-farm employment.

No matter which step you're taking, you can make the transition successfully. The Farm Center can work with you to determine what career you want, help you get the training you need, assist you in learning how to land that job, and learn tips to adjust to the changes you and your family may experience during this transition.

Employment, Training or Small Business Development
Farmers have many skills that they can use to supplement or even replace their on-farm income. The Farm Center can help farmers explore career options, find opportunities to update skills, locate a chance for on-the-job training, or examine a new small business venture.

Job Hunting Workbook
Whether it's been years since you've worked off the farm or if this is your first time, the Farm Center can help you make that adjustment. You can learn how your farm skills transfer to other occupations, learn to find job leads, fill out applications, talk to employers about your skills, create a resume, and develop other techniques for job hunting. The Job Hunting Workbook is filled with tips on job-seeking skills, and it also contains a sample job application and resume.

For more information about vocational services provided by the Farm Center, call the helpline at 1-800-942-2474.