If you were at FFA 2025, you saw it firsthand: 70,000 students exploring career paths, crowding around our crane display, lining up for the simulators. The energy was incredible. These weren’t kids being dragged through a convention center—they were genuinely curious about what we do. They asked smart questions. They wanted to know how to get into this industry.
But here’s what most companies aren’t thinking about: you can start tapping into this talent pool now instead of waiting for the next national convention.
The Opportunity in Your Community
You’re competing for skilled operators, riggers, and technicians in an incredibly tight labor market. Traditional recruiting methods aren’t reaching young people early enough, and by the time they’re job-hunting, someone else has already grabbed them.
Meanwhile, there are nearly 950,000 FFA students in over 9,000 local chapters across the country—including schools in your community right now. And before you write them off as “farm kids,” understand this: FFA isn’t just about agriculture anymore. These students are learning mechanical systems, project management, precision work, and technology. They’re hands-on learners who value technical careers. And here’s the kicker: they need real-world work experience as part of their curriculum.
Translation? They’re looking for exactly what you offer.
What’s In It For You
Build your pipeline early. Connect with students 2-4 years before they graduate. By the time they’re ready to enter the workforce, you’re not a stranger—you’re the company they already know and trust.
Low barrier to entry. You don’t need a crane display and simulators. Start with a one-hour career day presentation at a local school or invite a small group for a shop tour. That’s it.
Pre-qualified candidates. FFA students already have work ethic, leadership training, and hands-on project experience built into their education. They understand safety, responsibility, and teamwork.
Fill immediate needs. Looking for summer help? Need someone for a short-term job shadow? Want to test out an intern-to-hire pathway? FFA students are actively seeking these opportunities.
Beat your competition. Most companies in our industry don’t know this resource exists—or if they do, they’re not thinking about it in this way. You’ll be first in line while everyone else is fighting over the same small pool of applicants.
Feed your apprenticeship programs. If you’re building registered apprenticeships—or thinking about it—FFA students make ideal candidates. They’re already accustomed to structured learning combined with hands-on work.
How to Get Started
This week, Google “[your town] FFA chapter” or visit FFA.org to find schools near you. Reach out to the agriculture teacher—they serve as the FFA advisor and are typically looking for industry partners to help students complete their required work experience.
Offer something small: a facility tour, a 30-minute career talk, or job shadowing for one student. See what happens. You might be surprised how receptive teachers and students are to these connections.
You don’t need a crane and simulators. You just need to show up. Don’t wait for the next national convention. Start one conversation with one local FFA chapter and build your talent pipeline.2