At Grow West, we believe the best way to encourage the next generation of PCAs is by providing them with hands-on experience and meaningful real-world interactions. Our summer internship program, now entering its eighth year, is built on this principle, offering students the opportunity to gain practical insights into the PCA role while learning more about Grow West and the customers we serve.

This past summer, we were proud to welcome 10 interns into our 2024 program, hosted across several branch locations. Each intern brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, diving into diverse experiences that spanned across multiple departments, branches and responsibilities.

PROGRAM FEATURES

One of the key aspects of our program is ensuring that interns experience the full spectrum of what it means to be part of the Grow West team. From scouting fields with experienced PCAs to learning about operations, pest management and customer relations, the internship delivers a comprehensive real-world view of the industry.

FEEDBACK FROM THE INTERNS

For Grant Baldwin, a first-year intern based out of Walnut Grove, one of the most valuable lessons he learned was the importance of dedication and efficiency in every aspect of the job. “There are no shortcuts,” he said. “Everything you do, you have to do right for the grower you’re working with – they rely on that.”

In Dixon, first-year intern Adam Ritcher was drawn to the program by his interest in PCA work and a desire to gain field experience. “I’ve always been interested in PCA work,” he said. “I wanted to get more hands-on experiences in the field like a PCA would and saw that Grow West’s internship would give that to me.”

For first-year Walnut Grove intern Finn Danila, his passion for agriculture was sparked when Grow West PCA Thom Wisemen took him under his wing for a ride-along to show him the ins and outs of a PCA even before he applied for the internship. “I was immediately hooked!” Danila said, reflecting on the early mentorship that inspired him to pursue his internship.

The structured program begins with a full day of onboarding at the Woodland headquarters, followed by department tours and an assigned summer project. The goal is to provide interns with a robust, well-rounded experience. “By providing a well-rounded experience, the interns in the program have the ability to build relationships with not only Grow West employees but also our partners and suppliers,” Grow West Vice President of Human Resources Samantha Hanley said.

Interns are encouraged to be proactive, independent and curious as they learn the ropes.

For Rick Ramirez, a first-year WaterLabs intern, the internship left such a strong impression that he accepted a full-time position with Grow West’s WaterLabs team after graduating from Chico State. Reflecting on his experience, Ramirez said, “Being in the field is great because it’s hands-on and keeps you out of a desk all day. Everything about the internship – from the people to the work environment – made me want to stay. It was a perfect balance between time in the office and time in the field.”

They work closely with experienced PCAs, operations staff and customers to develop a better understanding of the industry. When asked what has brought him back year after year, second-year intern Joe Rosen said, “Grow West’s ability to show me that working with people you enjoy can make even the hardest days seem easy.”

We want to express our gratitude to all 10 interns who significantly contributed to a successful summer for Grow West. Their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and hard work have left a lasting impact. We are excited to see what the future holds for these bright individuals as they continue their journey in agriculture.

LEARN MORE OR RECOMMEND A POTENTIAL INTERN

If you are interested in learning more about the 2025 Summer Internship Program or would like to recommend someone who would be a great fit, please contact Samantha Hanley at HR@growwest.com.