![](https://blog.elanco.org/pathways2success/files/2021/01/Luke-Shirk.jpg)
Luke Shirk – Agriculture Manufacturing – Co-Op
Hello, my name is Luke Shirk, I am currently a senior at Garden Spot High School which is where I am part of the Cooperative Education Program. My job placement is at Case New Holland on their Process Improvement Team in New Holland, Pennsylvania. In this job, I work with my supervisor Ryan. When he sees a problem on the production line, he creates solutions to help the production line become more efficient. He and I work together on coming up with a solution to the problem.
So once Ryan and I talk about the problem I start to problem solve and think of ways to fix the problem. For example, the first problem I had to work on was to figure out a way to hold a form onto a table. The form needed to slide in and out underneath the table for better storage. I brainstormed different ways to make it slide, and finally decided on building a hanging drawer that will slide in and out. Once I had measured and planned out the parts, I got the necessary materials and worked with the laser cutting department to get the parts cut. Some of the parts we ordered and had to wait for them to come in. After the parts came in I was ready to build and assemble it.
This co-op experience has broadened my horizons regarding careers in the agriculture and manufacturing industries. This job has helped me decide my long-term career after graduating from high school. In this job, I have been able to learn about agriculture engineering. I’m hoping to attend college at Penn State University where I will study agricultural engineering. This experience has also helped me grow as a student and as a worker by helping me learn to communicate with my employer about my work schedule as well as learning new skills with problem-solving.
Overall my experience in the Cooperative Education program has helped me grow in many different ways. Being able to go and work after only taking the classes that I need in the morning is a great experience because it teaches many different life skills that will help you later in life.