Courtesy of San Benito High School:
Nearly 30 students in Joe Martin’s Agriculture Fabrication and Ag Communication class at San Benito High School recently completed a 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification course that provides training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the agriculture industry.
Twenty-seven of 29 students completed the certification, Martin said, pointing out that the average seat time it took to complete the modules was close to 19 hours.
This was the first time that SBHS students took the certification course, he said, noting that it required them to show knowledge about issues such as fire safety and handling blood-borne pathogens. More students will take the certification course in the Spring semester.
“It gives them the certification that proves they are competent in these areas, which they can include on their resume, which will make them more employable,” Martin said.
In addition to safety, the program provides information on workers’ rights, employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint about workplace hazards.
During the 2017-18 school year, San Benito High School’s agriculture program developed four complete pathways under the Agriculture and Natural Resources sector, modifying the Ag Fabrication class to be “g” qualified through the University of California and California State University “a-g” subject requirements. The intent of  “a-g” subject requirements is to ensure that students have attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study.
Educational Services Director Elaine Klauer said the high school’s ag program also completed two pathways by developing a pair of new capstone courses: Ag Engineering and Environmental Horticultural Science, both of which are a-g approved.
“Mr. Martin’s exceptional work with his students in the Career Technical pathways is a prime example of how San Benito High School is developing students to become prepared and ready for career opportunities,” said SBHS District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum. “We are very proud to offer programs that not only prepare students for a life beyond high school, but also provide them with real-world opportunities.”
Caption: SBHS file photo of Joe Martin
Students finish OSHA training for ag industry
