apprenticeship program
The best way to learn farming is from farmers
The apprenticeship program gives you an opportunity to receive hands-on experience combined with reading, classes, and training that will help you decide if farming is a good fit for you. Apprentices work on local, sustainably-run farms, where they experience the day-to-day operations of a farm. They also attend workshops and farm tours, meet new and experienced farmers, receive textbooks and on-the-job and formal training from their host farmers. In essence, this program will help give you the basics you need to get started. Growing Growers' apprentices need only a willingness to work hard and learn while they do it.
WHAT MAKES UP AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Photo: Urbavore Farm
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FIELD WORK is a large component of the apprenticeship program, because it is a large component of farming. Some farms include apprentices in their marketing and sales department as well (farmers market, CSA packaging or delivery, restaurant sales, etc.).
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WORKSHOPS & FARM TOURS held monthly, February through September, cover topics relevant to sustainable farming. Workshops include presentations by local farmers, extensions agents, and other experts. Over the course of the season, workshops introduce ideas that help apprentices learn about growing food, as well as how to plan a farm business.
*Apprentices are required to attend 6 core workshops and at least 2 other Growing Growers elective workshops, agricultural conferences, or professional meetings. These electives allow apprentices to explore specific interests that may not be part of the core workshops. *The workshops cover the metro area and almost always involve a farm tour. Apprentices need to cover the cost of driving to the workshops. Note: that may be as far as two hours away from the host farm. |
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ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING In addition to training during the work day, apprentices receive 8-10 hours of focused, one-on-one training from their host farmer(s). This training is a way for host farmers to share the specifics of their farm. Any topics can be chosen and they can include skills like bee-keeping, budgeting, soil building, rotations, production planning, seed selection and ordering, equipment operation, organic certification, market planning, budgets, and more!
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BOOKS AND COURSE MATERIALS are handed out during the workshop series. These cover topics such as business planning, equipment, soils, pests and disease management, and other topics relevant to start-up growers. Each season's curricula is slightly different and examples of textbooks include Jean-Martin Fortier's The Market Gardener, Elliot Coleman's The New Organic Grower, SARE's Building Soils for Better Crops and MOSES' Fearless Farm Finances.
*If apprentices fail to attend a workshop, they will not receive the class materials. |
Frequently asked questions:
When is the application due?
Applications are due March 1st, and reviewed by the program organizing committee. Applicants are typically notified of their acceptance into the program within two weeks of the due date.
When does the program start and for how long?
The program formally starts the date of the first core workshop (usually mid-March. The start date of the applicant's on-farm apprenticeship is dependent on the host farmer and the agreed upon terms of employment/volunteer internship. Typically apprentices work late March or early April and through the summer season. Some apprentices may even stay on as employees after completion of the program!
The graduation ceremony during the annual OHREC Field Day, formally marks the end of the program. As long as all the program requirements are met, the student will graduate from the apprenticeship by this time. Workshops can extend throughout the year and apprentices are encouraged to still attend even if they have graduated.
The graduation ceremony during the annual OHREC Field Day, formally marks the end of the program. As long as all the program requirements are met, the student will graduate from the apprenticeship by this time. Workshops can extend throughout the year and apprentices are encouraged to still attend even if they have graduated.
How much is the program?
The apprenticeship program fee is $500. This fee includes all workshops, tours, course materials and on-farm training. The tuition is non-refundable and can be broken up into two separate payments throughout the season.
Are there scholarships available?
A limited number of partial scholarships are available that can fund 50% of the tuition. Contact us at growers@ksu.edu for more information on applying for a scholarship and availability.
see what our previous graduates are up to...
Many of our graduates have become farmers across the country. Several of our graduates have even become host farmers themselves, including Two Birds Farm, Mellowfields Urban Farm and Woodland City KC. Read more about some of our former apprentices by clicking the button below!
apprenticeship blog
Our apprentices get season event updates, news and other information in the apprenticeship blog page. Click the button below to view the blog and subscribe!
Growing Growers ICT
Are you located in the Wichita / Sedgwick County area? Check out our partner, Growing Growers ICT for apprenticeship program opportunities or contact their program manager, Lyndsay Feather at lfeather@k-state.edu.
