Do you want to learn how to grow and raise a variety of vegetables in a community garden setting? Are you interested in learning more about non-profits and doing garden outreach? A Rocha Manitoba is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!
About the Farm
A Rocha Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba – Treaty 1 Territory
A Rocha is an organization which engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.
They are an international Christian organization and they welcome anyone, regardless of religion, to work with them.
In an environmental context often characterized by fear and paralysis, A Rocha is bringing hope through care of both people and places. They are preserving sensitive habitats and threatened species, growing food sustainably and feeding people living on low income, inspiring school children and training young people. A Rocha is changing the way people treat the earth.
You can read more about A Rocha Canada here: https://arocha.ca/
About the apprenticeship:
There are 2 apprenticeship positions at A Rocha MB, which are titled “Urban Agriculture coordinators”.
Working with in A Rocha Manitoba office in partnership with the Manitoba Program Coordinator, the Urban Agriculture co-ordinator is responsible for the planning, implementation, and upkeep of the Just Growing gardens (community garden at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church in the Wolseley neighborhood). They are also responsible for planning and executing community events in partnership with Metanoia Farmers Cooperative (at CMU) on urban sustainable agriculture and conservation.
The coordinator will work in a team with the education program coordinators to connect children with the Just Growing gardens and Metanoia. In addition, the coordinator may be called on to assist with watering and upkeep at the Vimy Ridge Community Garden.
The main purpose of this role is to empower and equip young adults with the skills of urban agriculture, fostering a connection with the A Rocha Manitoba community, and promoting sustainable practices rooted in Christian principles to care for creation.
This role is part of A Rocha Manitoba’s WildRoots Summer Work Program. Alongside practical work experience participants can expect to develop leadership skills, learn about nature conservation, participate in team rhythms and retreats, connect with the wider A Rocha network, and receive vocational training. To learn more about the WildRoots Program head to arocha.ca/wildroots.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with the Manitoba group at 4 different farms. You will also be invited to attend a regenerative or organic food conference during or following the apprenticeship.
About the mentors:
This apprenticeship is a unique opportunity because of the variety of people you will be working with and learning from. Your main director and mentor will be Zoe Matties, who works for A Rocha Manitoba coordinating programming. You will also be learning under the care and direction of the farmers at Metanoia farming co-op who have both experience farming and working as a co-op: http://metanoiafarmers.ca/.
All of these mentors will give you a peak inside the non-profit world and gardening in a community setting rather than strictly for production.
Skills this farm has to teach:
The garden is full of learning opportunities! See the list below to get a sense of some of the projects you would be helping with:
| Plan and implement the Just Growing garden beds | assist in the upkeep of the Metanoia Farm |
|---|---|
| Coordinate with the environmental educators to connect children to the gardens | soil Care/Maintenance & Health |
| Manager plan public workshops relating to urban agriculture and conservation | Connect with community partners for food distribution |
| Keep track of event RSVPs | Write blog posts related to food and agriculture and creation care |
Qualification and Requirements of the Apprentices:
• Embodies A Rocha Canada’s Vision, Commitments and Core Values
• Experience and/or education in agriculture/conservation
• Experience working with children
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and connect well with new people
• Personal initiative and able to manage details
• Time-management skills
• Willingness to learn
*Access to transportation
In order to fulfil their wage subsidy requirements, the apprentice:
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with official refugee status
• Criminal record check and Vulnerable Sector check required
• Must be a youth between 18-30 years of age
Housing, Wages, and Duration:
- No accommodations available. Apprentices are responsible for commuting to the 2 garden sites daily.
- Location: Winnipeg Office (500 Shaftesbury Blvd.) and 160 Ethelbert St (Just Growing Gardens Location)
- Workweek: Monday-Friday (with the occasional Saturday)
- Workterm: May-August (16 weeks) 35 hrs/week
- Wage: $16.80/hr
About the Community and Land:
A Rocha Manitoba Gardens are located on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional gathering place of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene people and the traditional homeland of the Métis people.
More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Contact Sara Yagelniski – Manitoba Apprenticeship Coordinator for questions:
saray@youngagrarians.org
Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Apprenticeships being offered in 2025 here.