Application of chemicals for control of noxious weeds, crop and forest protection, and lawn/landscape/golf courses is an important industry in Kentucky, as well as across the United States. Professional Applicators must pass a rigorous test, pay a fee, and maintain certification hours to maintain a license.

A Private Pesticide Applicator (PPA) license is a less rigorous process, but a Private Applicator cannot commercially apply pesticides for pay. However, a PPA can be a steppingstone to getting a commercial license. Both licenses deal with many topics, one being food safety. 

The Great Onyx Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center's mission is to empower young people to improve their lives through career training and education, preparing them for successful careers and contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Specifically, it focuses on providing free career training, academic support (including high school completion), and a supportive community for young adults aged 16-24. 

Over the years, Edmonson County Extension has worked with the Great Onyx Job Corp to provide many of our services to help their students prepare for life and jobs. One of those services that the County Agriculture Agent helps provide is giving PPA training for the students. Many use it as a step towards getting a commercial license later.  Due to frequent instructor turn over for several years, contact with the Job Corp was sporadic, and the trainings waned. The past year, the County Ag Agent was successful in contacting a new instructor at the Great Onyx Job Corp and getting the trainings scheduled again. So far, 26 students have been trained and licensed as Private Pesticide Applicators, and more than 75% indicated that they may be interested in obtaining a commercial license in the forestry category and some expressed interest in other categories. The County Ag Agent provided information for study purposes and how to find where to take commercial tests. For students returning to homes outside Kentucky, he instructed them to contact their local state agriculture department.