Sustainable Vegetable Production Registered Apprenticeship
Curriculum
Apprenticeships are a tried-and-true model of learning that have trained workers for careers in skilled trades for centuries. To ensure high quality and relevant workforce development, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) collaborated with farmers, community colleges and agriculturally-based nonprofits to define, develop, and implement the curriculum for this registered apprenticeship program in vegetable production.
The curriculum is registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the state organization that oversees all registered apprenticeship programs. The 18-month apprenticeship program will provide hands-on-learning through farm employment and a minimum of 180 hours of related instruction for each participant. Apprentices are expected to work 30-40 hours a week throughout the apprenticeship and work 2,500 hours by the end of the 18-month program.
The curriculum is based on the US Department of Labor’s recommended components for successful apprenticeships including:
- Business involvement
- Structured on the job training
- Relevant instruction
- Rewards for skill gains
- Recognized credentials
Apprentices must pass each core competency in order to receive the certificate.
Core Competency Areas:
- Crop Production
- Soil Health
- Ecologically-Based Pest Management
- Equipment and Machinery
- Ag Business Management & Marketing
- Social Implications of Ag Systems
- Season Extension
- Post Harvest Handling & Crop Quality