- Apprentice On a Farm – Program Details
- 2025 Host Farms
- Apply to the 2025 Apprenticeship Program
- Apply to be a Host Farm
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Your Coordinator
Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain skills and knowledge that match the ecological and regenerative values you hold? Are you feeling the farming bug, but not quite ready to take the plunge and launch your own business?
Apply as an apprentice today!
Young Agrarians and our network of exceptional host farm mentors in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are offering hands-on farm apprenticeships in regenerative agriculture.
Our apprenticeships are a full immersion program that puts you into the heart of running a farm business, day in and day out. Our carefully selected family of host farms have diverse expertise and skill sets to teach you. They are chosen because their farm philosophy is guided by ecological and holistic values that recognize the connectedness of the land and people. Although activities vary from farm to farm, apprentices can learn about:
- caring for the soil and health of the land
- grazing livestock to manage pastures and grasslands
- using regenerative practices for grain and vegetable growing
- farm direct marketing
- how a farm can build community
If you have a serious interest, curiosity and commitment to getting your hands dirty we invite you to read more about the program and apply! Reach out to us with questions at any time.
Meet the Host Farmers Info Session (Online) Jan 7, 2025
Join us for Join us for an info session to learn about the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program. Meet some of the amazing host farm mentors, ask questions about their farms, learn more about the kinds of apprenticeships they offer. Register Here.
Are you a farmer interested in Mentoring?
We are looking for Host Farm Mentors in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
Program Details:
Duration: Apprenticeships range from 4 – 12 months however, most start April/May and end Sept/Oct. Start dates and end dates will be determined by the host farm and apprentice.
Hours: Work hours will vary with the season. Living on a farm, you will be presented with constant change. While summer months offer abundance and long hours; winter brings shorter days, cold weather, and a slower pace.
Compensation: While the greatest benefit to apprentices is to learn by being fully immersed in the day-to-day of their host farm, this is a paid apprenticeship. Compensation varies from farm to farm and each apprenticeship is supported by an employment contract that lays out the work hours, compensation, expectations, days off and any other benefits like housing, food, etc.
Days Off: Apprentices are encouraged to clarify details pertaining to days off and paid leave with their mentors as soon as possible upon beginning their apprenticeship.
Insurance: Each farm is required to have Workers Compensation coverage and insurance.
Housing: For host farms providing housing, YA works to ensure it is safe and secure. Some farms have a room in the host farm’s residence while others have separate housing for apprentices. Amenities like internet, laundry, etc. are listed in the host farm profiles.
Food: Gathering to share food is at the heart of this program! On the farm, some mentors will provide ranch or farm products, while others will have shared meals. Apprentices may be expected to participate in food preparation and clean-up. Orientation and farm tours include some of the most amazing potlucks you will ever experience! Apprentices will be expected to bring a dish to these events.
Welcome & Orientation: Apprentices attend an online welcome in April and an in-person orientation in May. Attendance at these events is mandatory. The orientation will prepare you for your learning journey: you will learn about ecological and regenerative agriculture, connect with your fellow apprentices, meet the project coordinators, and have fun together.
On-Farm Check-Ins: We encourage host farms to have regular check-in throughout the season to review skills checklists, discuss learning goals, observations, and general concerns or questions that arise.
Farm Tours & Workshops: As part of the program, apprentices will also visit other farms to learn from other ecological and regenerative farmers, be exposed to different perspectives and practices, and make connections with other apprentices in the program. These events are organized by the YA coordinators but we encourage apprentices to help out! Additional online workshops will be organized and include topics like Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Farming, Holistic Management and Soil Health. Being a part of the Young Agrarians network will also open opportunities for more events and education!
Learning to Observe: Apprentices are encouraged to keep a journal or log or recording weather, hours worked, activities, observations, learning goals and questions that arise. The farm log is used to guide your check-in with farm mentor and program coordinators.
One-on-One Support: The YA Staff are here to support you! We will have check-ins with each apprentice and help you develop your learning strategy. Phone calls, group chats and emails will be the primary form of communication throughout the season, but your provincial Coordinator will always be available for support.
Peer-to-Peer Networking: Apprentices will have the opportunity to network with fellow apprentices, local farmers, agricultural professionals and meet other young agrarians. Each apprentice is responsible for organizing a farm tour with potluck, and will visit other apprentices’ farms.
Closing Retreat & Final Reflections: Apprentices will gather, usually in September to reflect on their apprenticeship experience. They will be invited to share a Final Reflection Project that captures their time and can be shared with future new farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship program starts in April and goes until October. Apprentices and Host Farms will have access to YA Coordinators and support during that time. Apprenticeships can be shorter depending on the needs of both the host farm and apprentice. They can also lead to longer term employment.
How much time does an apprentice spend training with the host farm mentor?
Host farm mentors are full-time farmers and ranchers. So, apprentices can expect to be working alongside the host farmer, especially at the beginning. The apprenticeship is also a paid position, so apprentices should expect to be working independently as they become increasingly familiar with day to day tasks. Though time spent training during the work day and after hours will vary, coordinators help apprentices and host farms set expectations before the start of the apprenticeship. A skills checklist is one of the tools used to set goals for skills development outcomes specific to the apprentices interests and the host farm’s expertise.
Is this a paid apprenticeship?
Yes. Compensation for apprentices will vary depending on the farm but will always start at the minimum wage for each province. Some farms may offer higher starting wages based on prior experience. Host farms and apprentices will be supported to work together to create a clear employment contract, outlining expectations related to working hours, time off, length of employment, accommodations, and any additional benefits. In addition, host farms will be supported in identifying available wage subsidy programs.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Age restrictions are in alignment with provincial labour laws and applicants under the age of 18 will need permission from their legal guardians to participate. Some host farms do rely on wage subsidy programs that have age limitations and will select applicants based on that criteria.
Are there any pre-requisite skills as an apprentice?
No. These positions are entry level and aspiring farmers are encouraged to apply. Host farms are looking for energetic self-starters, problem solvers and good communicators up for a challenge. Be ready to work outdoors in a variety of weather.
I'm interested in being an apprentice, how do I learn more?
Look at the mentor list and see who is there, and what you are interested in. Try and match what you want to learn with the farms and highlight this on your application. Reflect on what you want to get out of the program.
It can also be beneficial to come to a YA event and get to know the community - you might meet a potential host farm there. You could also reach out to the farms directly - for instance, if you meet a farmer at the farmers' market, ask if they have volunteer opportunities.
I’m interested in being a host farm mentor: how do I learn more?
An apprenticeship is more than a job posting; it is an investment in the next generation of farmers and ranchers. But, it’s also an investment that can pay dividends for your farm and family. Apprentices bring a new energy and enthusiasm to the work and a successful match can lead to long term employment and/or connections. You can visit our website, but the best way to learn is to reach out to your provincial coordinator directly and set up a time to chat. Provincial coordinator contacts can be found on our contacts page.
What if this apprenticeship doesn’t go as planned?
Coordinators are ready to support both host farms and apprentices in navigating unexpected situations that may arise from a variety of circumstances. The YA Apprenticeship Team has a variety of tools to help get the apprenticeship back on track, facilitate difficult conversations, or successfully terminate an agreement. The Team will also provide each participant with a list of resources available to sector stakeholders and employees that can help each of us move forward in a sometimes difficult occupation with a variety of stressors.
I am a student, can I use this experience for a co-op placement?
Yes. You’ll need to work with your co-op coordinator at your university or college and liaise with the YA Apprenticeship Coordinator in your province.
Does the YA Apprenticeship Program accept international applications?
If you are applying from another country, please read carefully:
Unfortunately, Young Agrarians can not provide work visas to Canada; it is out of our scope. We are unable to forward applications that do not have a work visa.
There are many ways for aspiring farmers to find opportunities to farm in Canada. Certain countries have partnerships with Canada that make working in agriculture a possibility. You can review these partnerships on the International Experience Canada (IEC) website. A list of what countries are participating in this program can be found here. On the IEC website, you will find the various work permit programs available per participating country, as well as the eligible age range for candidates.
Some countries only allow a candidate to participate once, while others allow candidates to participate twice, but in different pools. Since each country is different, it is important that the candidate checks to see if they are eligible to apply.
If a country is not participating in the IEC program, then a candidate can try to go through a “recognized organization." On this website, you will find all the “recognized organizations” and the additional countries they can serve.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- International Rural Exchange Canada Inc. is an organization that helps international agricultural trainees find work placements
- For people who have a work visa we also suggest checking out WWOOF Canada
If none of the above options are available to you, you may want to try to go through a registered immigration consultant.
All our best to you on your agrarian journey!
2025 HOST FARMS
| Manitoba | Town | What you’ll learn | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle H Farms | Brandon, MB | Cattle, Market Garden, Pumpkin Patch | Open |
| Poplarview Stock Farm | Pipestone, MB | Cattle, Hay, Grain | Open |
| Dunrea Farming Company | Dunrea, MB | Market Garden, Garlic, Grain, Homesteading | Open |
| Skinner Native Seeds | Inglis, MB | Native Grasses and flowers, Perennial Seed | Open |
| Almost Urban Vegetables | Winnipeg, MB | Market Garden + CSA, Laying Hens, Dye flowers | Open |
| Phil’s Honey | Starbuck, MB | Beekeeping | Open |
| Zinn Farms | Springstein, MB | Pastured Heritage Pork, Chicken, Eggs | Open |
| Oak Knoll Farms | Oakbank, MB | Market Garden, Tree & Shrub Fruit, Flowers, Pastured Pork and Heritage Chickens | Open |
| Jonathan’s Farm | Lockport, MB | Market Garden and CSA (Summer & Winter) | Open |
| Rusty Oak Simmental | Minnedosa, MB | Cattle, Sheep, Hay and Forage | Open |
| Keen Seeds | Manitou, MB | Seed, Tree Fruit, Livestock Cattle, Grain, Hay, Forage | Coming Soon |
| Saskatchewan | Town | What you’ll learn | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grovenland Farm | Lanigan, SK | Market garden, cattle, pigs, chicken, CSA | Open |
| Springer Family Farm | Foam Lake, SK | Cattle, grain, worm composting | Open |
| Upland Organics | Wood Mountain, SK | Organic grain, cattle | Open |
| Mitchell Family Farms | Livelong, SK | Livestock Cattle, Hay Forage, Poultry Layers, Livestock Pigs | Open |
| Alberta | Town | What you’ll learn | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Arrow Farm | Camrose, AB | Market Garden | Open |
| Busy Bea Florals | Beaver County, AB | Dried and fresh flowers, teas and herbs | Open |
| Chickadee Farm Herbs Ltd. | Flatbush, AB | Medicinal Herbs | Open |
| Triple Lyoness Farm | Westlock, AB | Cattle, pastured poultry, pigs | Open |
| Steel Pony Farm | Red Deer, AB | Market Garden | Open |
| Carrots by Cam | Carseland, AB | Market garden, Root vegetables | Open |
| The Homestead | Goodfare, AB | Market garden, cattle, pastured poultry, pigs | Open |
| Lady’s Hat Farm | Castor, AB | Flowers, lamb, honeybees | Open |
| Blooms on 7 | Sherwood Park, AB | Flowers, Alpacas, Agritourism | Open |
| British Columbia | Town | What you’ll learn | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Rocha | South Surrey, BC | Market Gardening | Open |
| Solstedt Organics | Lytton, BC | Off-Grid Organic Vegetables and Fruits | Open |
| Farmer Cam’s Foods | Terrace, BC | CSA mixed veggies, Greens | Open |
| WoodGrain Farm | Kispiox Valley, BC | Co-op mixed veggies, Seed saving | Open |
| Amazia Farm | Oliver, BC | Certified organic no-till vegetable farm | Open |
| City’s Edge Farm | Victoria, BC | CSA vegetables, herbs, berries, cut flowers | Open |
| 4 Elements Farm | Lake Country, BC | Organic Vegetables, Apple Orchard | Open |
| McCormack Farm | Burton, BC | Mixed Livestock, Tree Fruit Nursery | Open |
| Lost Farm | Smithers, BC | Mixed vegetables, Herbs | Open |
| Cartwheel Farm | Creston, BC | Organic vegetables and herbs | Open |
| Terra Nostra Farm | Powell River, BC | Intensive vegetable production | Open |
| Okanagan Honey Co | Armstrong, BC | Honey and Bee producer | Open |
| Whiskey Creek Ranch | Rose Prairie, BC | Mixed livestock | Open |
Applications for 2025 apprenticeship positions are open from December 2, 2024 – January 31, 2025.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply.
- To be eligible for the program you need to be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Authorized to work in Canada under the Federal Immigration Act.
- Hold a valid work permit or visa.
For more resources for international applicants please click here.
Note: Only complete applications will be reviewed by the host farms.
APPLY TO THE 2025 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
STEP 1: Read though the farm profiles and program details
Read through the farm profiles and pick your top four (4) farms of interest.
STEP 2: Fill out an online application
STEP 3: Telephone Interviews
Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview with the host farm and program coordinators.
STEP 4: Initial Farm Visit
Selected applicants are encouraged to visit the host farm for 3-5 days*. After this visit both parties will decide if they will proceed with the program.
*the program does not provide funding for this initial visit
STEP 5: Offer of Apprenticeship Position
Confirmation of successful applicants will be in February.
STEP 6: Participant Fee Payment
Participants who are accepted into the program are required to pay $175 before the start of their apprenticeship to secure their position in the program.
STEP 7: Placements Begin
Apprentice start dates vary by farm however are generally April or May.
Still have questions? Contact:
Tessa Thompson, British Columbia Apprenticeship Coordinator
Email: tessa@youngagrarians.org
Alieka Beckett, Saskatchewan and Alberta Apprenticeship Coordinator
Email: saskatchewan@youngagrarians.org
Jennifer Sparling, Manitoba Apprenticeship Coordinator
Email: jennifer@youngagrarians.org
Steven Olsen, Alberta Apprenticeship Coordinator
Email: steven@youngagrarians.org
HEAR FROM PAST APPRENTICES
Wondering what it’s like apprenticing on a host farm? Check out our Apprenticeship blog, or dig into a few of the apprentice’s thoughts on their experiences below.
BRONWYN GREEN:
In 2021, Bronwyn was an apprentice at Gripfast Farms near Binscarth, MB. The farm primarily focuses on regenerative agriculture methods to raise grass-fed beef and is owned by Doug Turnbull and Carol Lanz-Turnbull.
“I think they really cared about finding somebody who was keen on regenerative farming and wanting to farm…they talked about how much they just wanted to pass down information and grow new farmers. I really felt like they weren’t just looking for extra hands to work. They really wanted to mentor.”
We chatted with Bronwyn to learn more about her experience as an Apprentice here.
CHELSEA KLINKE: 
A 2021 apprentice at Dirt Boys Open Farm with Michael Gavin, Chelsea encourages others to apply for the Apprenticeship program as it differs from other farm jobs. “I’m not only learning from my experience with Michael, but from the experiences of all my other apprentices…fellow apprentices, from their mentors [and] from their farms,” she said. Read a full interview with her here.
JULIA FISHER:
As a 2019 apprentice on Steel Pony Farm, an 8-acre vegetable farm just south of Red Deer, Julia learned all about soil health, crop planning, seed selection, vegetable production, and direct and wholesale marketing.
“When I think about my time spent as an apprentice at Steel Pony Farm, my heart just warms right up and my face turns into this expansive grin. For anyone considering the apprenticeship program, JUST DO IT! Do it do it do it. For me it got to the point where I just had to take the leap, and I am beyond grateful I did. I now feel like farming is an actual possibility for my future, and am enjoying the process of getting there.”
Read about her full experience here.
The Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program curriculum and materials have been inspired and adapted from the Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Apprenticeship program.