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 community colleges and agriculturally based nonprofits to define, develop, and implement the curriculum for this new registered apprenticeship program in vegetable production. The apprenticeship curriculum has also been developed based on input from farms, agricultural businesses, and education leaders.
The curriculum is registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the state organization that oversees all registered apprenticeship programs. The 18-month apprenticeship program will provide over 2,500 hours of hands-on-learning and a minimum of 185 hours of related instruction for each participant. Apprentices are expected to work 20-40 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