Agribusiness Education Training

Customized training programs are primarily available through California State University, Chico, and Butte Community College's Training Center. CSU, Chico's Agribusiness Institute provides customized training in agriculture and agribusiness management. Both the university and community college offer programs to meet the industry's changing technological and marketing needs. "With the training programs available at the colleges, you can always find a good group of people to pick from locally," says Sierra Nevada Brewing Company President, Ken Grossman.

Information Management Training

California State University, Chico offers one of the best computer science programs in the nation. When Hewlett-Packard examined its employees to find out where its best-trained computer people graduated, CSU, Chico topped the list.

With a Butte County address, Landacorp can tap into the university's intern program. "Outstanding interns become permanent employees," says Stephen Kay, former CFO/COO. "People like to stay in Chico. We probably have one of the lowest churn (turnover) rates in R&D of any company in the industry."

Butte Community College offers a variety of continuing education and customized training programs to meet local business needs, specializing in teleservice training, office skills and customer service. Butte County also provides companies with labor statistic & research information, employee recruiting and screening assistance, and hiring incentives.

Manufacturing Education and Training

In addition to the long-standing commitment to education at all grade levels, Butte County's favorable workforce can be credited to the educational focus on high tech manufacturing. California State University, Chico leads the nation with its Industrial Technology and Management Information Services programs. In addition, the Butte College Manufacturing Technology program offers a variety of training opportunities.