“ I had a scholarship for classes at NTI ,” he explained . “ I picked refrigeration and learned the basics . I heard there was an opening at Tyson and applied there before I finished at NTI . I graduated on Friday and started work on Monday .”
Surber now handles training for the refrigeration department .
“ It ’ s much easier when the applicants have the basic skills ,” Surber said .
The company offers all types of jobs , covering the scope of what employees would want to do , Delph said . Its many locations also give employees options when it comes to where they might like to work .
“ If you want to work in urban , rural or suburban areas , we can find that in a job with Tyson . We can match a skill set with a location ,” Delph said .
If you have or want to get a commercial driver ’ s license , Tyson has the largest private transportation fleet in the U . S ., Wood said .
Many other jobs can also create a path to leadership roles at Tyson Foods .
“ Welding and machining technicians can be promoted to next-level managers ,” Delph said . “ We need 35 to 40 managers per year . We are looking for people who realize their job descriptions are minimum requirements .”
The company is also looking for people who have demonstrated leadership before they applied at the company .
“ We always look for students who have made a difference in programs where they were members ,” Delph said . “ Organizations like FFA ( Future Farmers of America ) and AFA ( Agricultural Future of America ).”
Any leadership roles in social organizations would also be good on a résumé , Delph added .
Delph said the company has also had success with hiring graduates of the Jobs for America ’ s Graduates , or JAG , program .
JAG is a national non-profit organization that prevents students from dropping out of school . The program operates in local schools , including both Har-Ber and Springdale High Schools .
Tyson also has a big intern program , Delph said . Information technology interns work at the Springdale headquarters with some being hired for permanent jobs every year .
“ We have 250 interns across the country and 100 of those are in Northwest Arkansas ,” Delph said .
Benefits for Tyson employees include health insurance , 401 ( k ) financial benefits , employee development and tuition reimbursement , Delph said . Prospective employees can apply online at tysonfoodscareers . com .
Surber offered this advice for those wanting to enter the job market : keep learning .
“ Soak it all in as much as you can ,” he said . “ Don ’ t act like you know it all . Learn from others . They know more than you think .”
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