Sustainable Vegetable Production Registered Apprenticeship

The Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship (SVP) supports experienced vegetable farmers and aspiring vegetable growers and future farmers with hands-on training and learning opportunities in and out of the fields of North Carolina. The SVP Apprenticeship is a registered apprenticeship program with ApprenticeshipNC under the NC Community College program.

Apprentices complete hands-on training as paid employees of a registered farm over the course of two growing seasons. During this time, they are supported in at least 180 hours of related instruction through approved courses, conferences, and learning opportunities.

Military veterans and their dependents who have GI Bill eligibility may utilize their educational benefits to receive extra financial support during the apprenticeship program. 

The program is accepting applications for the 2026 growing season.

Apprentice Application Form
Farm Hosts Apply here

Approved and matched apprentices and farm hosts may begin the program anytime between February 2025 and April 2026. Each apprenticeship lasts 18 months (typically covering two growing seasons), though exact dates will vary depending on the farmer’s schedule and local growing conditions.

Apprentices gain: 

  • Hands-on training with skilled farmers
  • Support finding farmers with whom to apprentice in NC
  • Wage increases every 6 months over the course of the apprenticeship
  • Guidance and financial support in receiving additional education (we call this “related instruction”)
  • Support from the SVP coordinators prior to and during your apprenticeship
  • NC has established free community college tuition if students register through the Registered Apprenticeship Program within 120 days of graduating high school. For more information about the benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship Program, visit apprenticeshipnc.com/apprentices.

Learn more about becoming an apprentice.

Host farms benefit from: 

  • Assistance with recruiting and vetting a qualified farm employee eager to learn and contribute to your operation
  • A farm employee with a commitment to two seasons
  • Guidance for ensuring apprentices learn core skills and financial support for an apprentice’s supplemental education
  • Support from SVP coordinators in recruiting, onboarding and guiding apprentices during their employment on your farm

Learn more about becoming a farm host.

Farm hosts apply here.

 

How the SVP Apprenticeship Works

Apply

Submit your application to join the apprenticeship program. We’ll review your materials and schedule an interview to learn more about your experience, goals, and interests.

Match with a Host Farm

If accepted, we’ll connect you with approved host farms seeking apprentices. Farms will reach out to arrange interviews. Approved apprentices are responsible for finding farm employment and we’re here to help. We recommend an in-person, working interview before accepting a position. You’ll officially join the program once you’re hired and complete a short probationary period.

Start Your Apprenticeship

After you’re matched and hired, we’ll guide you and your host farmer through onboarding. Together, you’ll set learning goals and create a training plan for your 18-month apprenticeship.

Registered SVP Apprenticeship Farms In NC

A map of participating host farms can be found here. Each icon marks the location of an approved host farm that is either currently seeking an apprentice or has an active apprentice on the farm.

No farm where you want to apprentice? No problem! Let farms know that they can register with the SVP Apprenticeship program and host apprentices. Contact us or share this link with your prospective farm employer to register with SVPA.

We’re Learning Together 

The SVP Apprenticeship is a work-based learning initiative led by CEFS and with community partners across the state of North Carolina.

We’re grateful to the following organizations and efforts who have informed the creation of our apprenticeship programs:

  • ApprenticeshipNC
  • Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (Advisory Member)
  • Central Carolina Community College (Advisory Member)
  • Dig In!
  • Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)
  • Center for Land Based Learning

This apprenticeship program is supported by:

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Workforce Training Grants program, [Accession No. 1025532 Project No. NC09912].