I was able to work with Kentucky State University's Farm Manager to set up a Private Pesticide Applicators Training for several of their students and employees. This class was just a modified version of the normal Private Applicator Training, but more focused on content knowledge. The goal was for the students and employees to further develop their knowledge of IPM but also to receive a tangible license that would make them more hirable as future or current members of the workforce. 

The training was developed by focusing on the comprehensive knowledge of the material. Many of the "regular" trainings place a greater emphasis on the practice of pesticide application and while that was a portion of this training, it was not the main emphasis. Instead we took the 95 question comprehensive exam and gave it as a pre-evaluation at the beginning of the class. We allowed groups of students to work together to try to find the most likely correct answers and then once everyone finished we worked backwards through the exam, providing support materials along the way. In doing so we were able to ensure every participant passed the training and received their certification as well as credit within the KSU course. 

Though the training was catered to KSU students and employees, it was open to the public as well. All told there were 23 KSU participants, 2 people from a local winery and 2 local farmers. There were 15 male and 12 female participants. 18 of the participants were white, one was Hispanic and 8 were Asian, specifically Nepalese. Two of the participants were over 65, four were in 30-55 range and the remainder were from 18-29. 

At the end of the training 27 people received a Private Pesticide Applicators License, reference materials, and safety equipment that they can utilize when applying pesticide. Six of those people left with a skill that they would be using at their job immediately that would keep them from having to hire the work done. Two of the people received the required documentation to be able to buy and apply chemicals on their farms. 12 received course credit Ultimately it was the most comprehensive training I have done up tp this point and almost everyone who participated made a remark as to how informative it was and how they felt confident now to go on and use the information.