Apprenticing Opportunities

There are a variety of Alberta farms available to ASAAP apprentices. You could choose to work with farmers operating a fruit and vegetable u-pick, experience working with livestock, learn about certified organic CSAs (community shared agriculture) or even try your hand at tending to culinary herbs and edible flowers. Work with nature to encourage productivity through biodiversity and discover the incredible potential of growing nutrient-dense food using compost and soil balancing techniques. Study animal husbandry while apprenticing on an organic dairy farm or on a grass-based bison or cattle ranch. Gain first-hand knowledge about beekeeping, carpentry, mechanical repair, holistic management or marketing. ASAAP farms provide endless opportunities!

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over 18 years old who is healthy, self-motivated and eager to learn. Time commitments for the apprenticeship vary depending on the farm and the apprentice’s goals; however, a full growing season commitment is preferred. Most apprenticeships involve labor in exchange for room, board, a small stipend, and the opportunity to learn.

How to Apply

ASAAP is a facilitator between the farmer and the apprentice. Typically, apprenticeships take place between May and September, although many farms need help all year round. We endeavor to match the apprentice with the farm according to the information given by both parties.

1. 1. Review the farms offering programs.
2. 2. Complete the ASAAP Apprentice Application Form and send in your $30.00 application fee to our partnering organization, SOIL. Be sure to indicate which farms you are interested in on your application form. See below for more details.
3. 3. ASAAP will send you a complete description of the farms in which you expressed interest. Use this information to make direct contact with the farm that you wish to do your apprenticeship with.

Application

Fill out the ASAAP Apprentice Application Form and send the completed forms to becky.lipton[at]mail.mcgill.ca and info[at]soilapprenticeships.org

Payment

1. 1. To pay your application fee online, please click on this link: http://www.soilapprenticeships.org/apprenticeapp.html Fill out your first name, last name, full address, phone, email and payment type and then proceed to the payment page. (You do not need to fill in the rest of the form, as we have provided you with our version of the application form)
2. 2. By Mail: Please send a self-addressed envelope with application form and cheque or money order to:

STEWARDS OF IRREPLACEABLE LAND
Box 807
Sooke, BC V9Z 1H8

Considerations

It is the responsibility of both parties to come to a working agreement. Both parties should consider and discuss topics such as:

• Expectations- yours and the farmer’s
• Length of commitment
• Work guidelines (hours, time off)
• Clarify types and variety of work done- skills taught, level of responsibility
• Preferred learning vs. teaching style
• Preferred communication style and how you deal with conflict
• Feedback/evaluation process
• Room and board arrangements; privacy or social environment preferences
• Stipend
• Holidays, sick days
• Insurance
• Allergies, medical conditions, diet, other special needs

Any questions? Please call us at 780-271-1116.