Tips from past apprentices

• Be open-minded. You may have previous farming experience, or this may be your first time. Don’t be afraid to offer your opinions, but remember that this is their farming operation and you are there as a learner, not a critic. You will also want to learn multiple ways of doing work so that when you start your own farm, you can choose the method that best fits your operation.
• Have a general idea as to what you want to learn and make sure that you communicate this clearly with the farmer. Ask yourself important questions when deciding which farm is best for you, such as: Would I feel comfortable working with livestock? Do I have any allergies or are there activities I am not comfortable doing? Do I enjoy being outdoors, even in poor conditions? How do I feel about repetitive work? Hard labor? How do I deal with people and would I enjoy working at a Farmers’ Market?
• Remember that you are working on their farm and often times with their family. Be respectful of the farm practices and observant of the household rules.
• Much of being an apprentice involves observation. Watch what they are doing, how they are moving, where they are spending time and what they are pausing to observe. Keep a journal and make use of whatever resources (books, etc.) they provide. Sometimes it is best to listen to instructions for the task at hand and to carry it out after asking questions pertinent to what the job requires of you. Later, perhaps at the dinner table, you can engage in conversation about how the farmer came to use this particular practice and why.
• Be receptive to positive criticism. The farmers are enthusiastic about teaching those interested in farming and want to give feedback in order to improve your skills. If they don’t offer feedback- ask! This shows that you are concerned about doing a good job.

Tips from the Farmers

• Selecting the right apprentice for your farm can be one of the most important decisions you make for your season. Take the time to explain your expectations of an apprentice, your goals for the season, highlight any important values or practices that you feel the apprentice should know about and get to know the apprentice! Set up a phone interview, or even better, try to establish a time to have them visit your farm.
• Do up a contract. ASAAP has sample contracts you can use. This will help with overall communication and to significantly clarify expectations. Maintain clear communication from the start. Get into the habit of explaining what the day’s activities will look like and making sure the apprentice knows what he/she is doing.
• Give feedback and take time to explain not just what, but why you do what you do. Apprentices are there to learn. They require positive feedback for encouragement and constructive criticism in order to improve. Establish weekly check-ins or meetings with the apprentice(s). These can be formal or informal, group or individual based. These can serve as a means to allow everyone to reflect on the week’s projects and work out any issues they are having, rather than letting them build up.
• Ensure that even the simplest of tasks are explained and not assumed. Some apprentices are coming from urban backgrounds and may not be aware of things you take for granted as common knowledge. This can help avoid embarrassment for the apprentice and unfortunate outcomes for your farm.
• Be aware of, and sensitive to, different learning styles and discuss the best approach to take.
• Don’t consider the apprentice as a source of labor. This is an arrangement based upon mutual gain. They are there to learn while contributing to your farm. Make sure you come to an agreement regarding compensation that both parties feel is fair and ensure that you commit to giving them daily instruction and guidance.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff!
• Remember that misunderstandings are two-sided- be open-minded
• There is nothing to lose and everything to gain- every experience is a learning opportunity!
• Engage in discussions about the farm, your practices, your way of life – go beyond simple task instruction.