Indiana Pork supports career development

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pork is investing in the future of the food and agriculture industry by sponsoring a hands-on meat fabrication and sausage-making labs at Ivy Tech Community College and Central Nine Career Center.

These partnerships help students build practical skills while exploring careers in culinary arts, food production and the pork industry.

“These programs give students a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world food production skills,” said Jeanette Merritt, director of communications with Indiana Pork.

“By supporting these labs, we’re helping students see the many career opportunities that exist within agriculture, culinary arts and food processing.”

At Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Pork supports culinary students as they participate in meat fabrication labs, where they learn how to properly break down pork cuts and understand how different cuts can be used in the kitchen.

The hands-on experience strengthens students’ technical abilities while also building appreciation for the versatility and value of pork in professional food preparation.

Indiana Pork also sponsored sausage-making labs at Central Nine Career Center, providing high school students with the opportunity to learn the science and technique behind sausage production.

During these labs, students gained experience grinding, seasoning and cooking pork while learning about food safety, product development and the role pork plays in the food system.

Through partnerships with educational institutions like Ivy Tech and Central Nine Career Center, Indiana Pork continues to support workforce development while introducing students to the many ways pork plays a role in the food industry.