2018 YA Alberta Apprenticeship Program

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2018 Alberta Apprenticeship Program Information

Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain skills and knowledge that match the ecological values you hold? Are you feeling the farming bug, but not quite ready to take the plunge and launch your own business?  Young Agrarians, Organic Alberta and our network of exceptional mentor farmers are now offering advanced, hands-on apprenticeships in regenerative agriculture. Participants with a serious interest, curiosity and commitment to full-time farming are invited to apply.

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 farm mentors have diverse expertise and skill sets –  their farm philosophy is guided by a holistic framework that recognizes the connectedness of the land and people. Although farm activities will be different on each farm, the core activities will involve care of soil, pasture and livestock, farm direct marketing, and using sustainable practices for cereal and grain production.

As part of the program, you will also visit other farms that are hosting apprenticeships. This gives you the opportunity to learn from other ecological farmers and make connections with other apprentices in the program.

Program Details:

Duration: Most apprenticeships last 8-12 months, however some farms offer 4-6 month programs. Start dates and end dates will be determined by the host farm and apprentice. 

Hours:  Work hours will vary with the season; however, apprentices are prepared to work 6-days a week.  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. In the off season, apprentices will learn about business planning and marketing, and/or focus on special projects, such as building and repairs.

Compensation: Room, board, and stipend packages vary from farm to farm. Housing is safe, secure and internet is available on each farm. Enjoy access to farm fresh food and some shared meals. 

Learning Fund: Apprentices receive $750 honorarium to support their learning needs (i.e. course fees and travel). A maximum of $175 may be used for the acquisition of job related tools or clothing. Apprentices receive a complimentary guest ticket to Organic Alberta’s 2019 conference.

Insurance: Each farm is required to have Workers Compensation coverage and insurance.

Orientation: Apprentices attend a 2-day orientation within their first few weeks of the program. The orientation will prepare you for your learning journey: you will learn about ecological agriculture and meet visionary farmers, connect with your fellow apprentices, meet the project coordinators and have fun together.  

On-Farm Evaluation: Mentors schedule bi-weekly check-ins with their apprentices throughout the season. During each check-in, apprentices and mentors review skills checklist, and discuss learning goals, observations and general concerns or questions that arise.

Farm Log: Apprentices receive a workbook to log their day, for 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.

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 neighbouring farms.  

One-on-one Support: Young Agrarians staff will facilitate monthly check-ins and help you develop your learning strategy which will include farm visits and meeting with a business coach. Phone calls and emails will be the primary form of communication.

Program Evaluation: Apprentices are required to complete a formal exit interview with the program coordinators and complete a final report.

Host Farms: The following farms are now accepting applicants. 

• Sand Springs Ranch – Lac La Biche, Alberta
• The Homestead – Goodfare, Alberta
• Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm – Carstairs, Alberta
• Redtail Farms – Castor, Alberta
• Duban Farms – Lethbridge, Alberta
• Nature’s Way Farm – Grimshaw, Alberta
• Steel Pony Farm – Red Deer, Alberta
• Grass Roots Family Farm – Ferintosh, Alberta (Position Filled)
• Earth Works Farm – Alix, Alberta (Position Filled)

Application Process:

STEP 1: Online Application –
Complete the online application (https://goo.gl/forms/WjvY9ehVWZHdd78B2)

STEP 2: Next you will be contacted by a program coordinator and asked to provide the following:

• Resume with 3 references
• Personal Essay (max 1500 word) describing: “My vision for ecological agriculture”

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: 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. 

Important Dates:

Applications are now being accepted. Applications are due by January 30th, 2018.

Host farms will conduct video or phone interviews with select applicants. Confirmation of successful applicants will be in February.

Apprentice start dates vary by farm however are generally April or May 2018. 

For more information contact:

Dana Penrice, Program Coordinator
Email: alberta@youngagrarians.org
Call: 1-587-521-2400 (Organic Alberta Office)

The YA Alberta Apprenticeship is a program of Organic Alberta. The program curriculum and materials have been adapted from the Quivira Coalition’s Agrarian Apprenticeship program. Funding for this program is provided by Peavey Mart and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency.