Subject Matter Expert (SME) Opportunity: Online Course Development, AFF-1065: Applied Communication & Problem Solving

Program Overview and Course Structure

VTSU CAFE – The Applied Meat Processing & Butchery Arts Certificate Program is a hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skill and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This certificate gives candidates the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of food production and processing. To meet these evolving needs, the MeatCraft Butcher Program at VTSU provides a comprehensive curriculum, within three stackable levels, designed to develop well-rounded professionals

Total Credits

Level 1: MeatCraft Apprentice Butcher:   13 credits

Level 2: MeatCraft Artisan Butcher:         23 credits

Level 3: MeatCraft Master Butcher:         30 credits

Program Outcomes

1. Understand the science and develop skills to expertly process beef, pork, lamb and poultry.
2. Employ industry standards of safety for meat products and meat fabrication.
3. Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
4. Demonstrate value-added skills with sausage-making, marketing, and culinary techniques (Level 2).
5. Understand advanced meat product development, and be able to employ ethical and humane methods for livestock harvesting (Level 3).
6. Complete a hands-on abattoir internship within a production environment (Level 3).
7. Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

Program Structure:

 

Description and Details

Structure

 

Sequential, skill-building format, practical understanding, foundational concepts, specialized techniques, safety, sanitation, butchery, processing, regulatory compliance

Format

 

Hybrid delivery, online lecture, hands-on intensives, mentorship, peer collaboration, focused instruction, abattoir (meat facility) internship, regional partner sites, traceability, humane handling, value-added meat products

Completion

 

Certificate in Meat Processing and Food Safety, Credentials valued by employers

Targeted Population

 

High school students (dual and early college enrollment), working adults, culinary professionals, aspiring butchers, Retail meat operations, processing plants, butcher shops, local food systems

As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online’s established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $ 1,000.00/credit.

Course Details:

AFF-1065: Applied Communication & Problem Solving

Course 5: (Shared across Certificates) Brains & Strategy - How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

Catalog Title: Applied Communication & Problem Solving

Credit Hours: 3

Format: 100% Online, Fall, AFF1065

Catalog Description:

Development of written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills through effective use of logic. Practical skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication will be cultivated through an engagement in scenario-based explorations of a fictional zombie apocalypse. Emphasis is placed on collaborative decision-making, stress resilience, and real-time reasoning; preparing students to perform with clarity and confidence in high-stakes workforce environments.

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
2. Communicate clearly and persuasively in both written and oral formats.
3. Hone ability to form rational justifications to affirm decisions made during simulations and discussions.
4. Apply adaptive thinking and resourcefulness to navigate unpredictable challenges.
5. Work cooperatively under stress, managing group dynamics and problem-solving in urgent, evolving situations.
6. Develop strategies that build on personal strengths and challenges related to decision-making under stress.
7. Engage in a challenging and creative learning environment (while hopefully avoiding being eaten).

Prerequisite: No prior survival training required—just an open mind and a sense of humor.

Minimum Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications:

• Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof.  Prior experience teaching is preferred. 
• Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.