Farm Academy Apprenticeship Program – CA

On-the-Job Training

Apprentices are required to complete 3,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training by working on a production farm with a farmer mentor. On-the-job training takes place on commercial production farms in the Northern Sacramento Valley. These farms range from 5 to 4,000 acres, with the majority growing on over 500 acres, and include both organic and conventional farms. Participating farms grow a diversity of crops, including processing tomatoes, rice, wine grapes, tree nuts and mixed vegetables, and sell to a diversity of markets, including distributors, brokers, processors, and CSAs.

Learn more about participating farms »

Apprentice duties will differ between farms but all apprentices will receive a minimum number of hours of hands-on training in certain competency areas, called work processes. Work schedules are dictated by the needs of the farms, but apprentices will work at least 40 hours per week. Unless otherwise discussed, compensation starts at minimum wage and increases by $0.50 approximately each 6 months. Individuals already employed by a farm may enroll in the program, if the farmer agrees to participate. For more information, see the FAQ page.

Coursework

California Farm Academy apprentices are required to complete a total of 250 hours of coursework over the 2 years of the program. In their first year, apprentices will be enrolled in the California Farm Academy’s 7-month Beginning Farmer Training Program from mid-February to mid-September. The Training Program includes approximately 200 hours of coursework, which includes lectures, field labs, and farm visits. As part of the Training Program, apprentices will develop a Farm Career Plan, articulating skills and knowledge that the apprentice wishes to prioritize to achieve their career goals. The remaining 50 hours of coursework will be based on the apprentice’s Farm Career Plan. Possibilities include industry trainings, short courses, industry tours, conferences, field days, workshops, and community college and adult school classes.