Our flagship vocational training program is Swan Graphics. Using screen printing and embroidery we teach many vocational skills and provide a forum for practical life and character development. Employees learn different aspects of the vocational side of the business including customer service, graphics design, darkroom, screen printing, heat press, embroidery, quality control , and packaging. In conjunction with these skills, employees also learn many “soft skills’ including public speaking, timeliness, work ethic, diligence, grit, financial literacy, and budgeting.

Our second economic development project is our seed, bulb, and tuber farm. Employees learn about plant identification, planting plans, fertilization, managing water usage, as well as marketing and sales. They also learn note taking for future planting plans and learn industry terms such as tender annuals, hardy annuals, seeds, corms, bulbs, and tubers. They also become proficient at using different types of equipment including rototillers, potato forks, spray backpacks, and soil blocking kits. Being able to work outside in the heat of the summer is an important skill to master as well.