A more detailed example of a learning contract between farmers and apprentices.
Apprentice Contract #
Intern Name: ____________________
Farm: ____________________
Farmer/mentor: ____________________
Season: 20____ from March to November.
Monthly/weekly stipend: ___________
Benefits offered:
- Housing
- Shared staple foods in apprentice kitchen
- Farm produce - after priority is given to market needs
- For all other benefits/policies, see employee handbook
Apprentice training program #
In consultation with the farmer and with other crew members, apprentices will be assigned primary work responsibilities and receive direct training on those tasks. The farmer or other experienced workers will offer additional training and guidance as needed. Your task assignments for this season:
Apprentices will also be assigned crop management responsibilities. Your crops will be assigned based on your skill, experience, and interest. In consultation with the farmer and crew leaders, you will learn to manage the crop for weeding/cultivation, pest/disease management, harvest, and processing. Please keep in continuous communication with us about your crop, so that together we can produce a healthy, attractive harvest. Your crop assignments for this season:
Most weeks of the season we will have a dedicated seminar and learning activity for all apprentices at a designated time each week. The seminar will be led by the farmer, another experienced worker, or a guest. Some seminars may be tours of other farms or food facilities, or workshops put on by local organizations. For on-farm seminars, topics will be decided by request of the crew in consultation with the farmer. During peak season, we may decide to take an afternoon for relaxation instead, by decision of the crew. If you have specific topics you want to learn about at seminars, note them here:
While at the farm, you have access to the farmer’s library by request. Please confirm with the farmer before you borrow a book, but also check with the farmer if you’re looking for advice on where to find information.
If you have other farm tasks you would like training on, please note them here. You may also request specific training at any time during the season. We try to accommodate apprentices’ interests within the constraints of our time, general safety, and other needs. We may also direct you toward other learning materials, such as books, workshops, or online materials.
Evaluations / feedback #
Farmer and apprentice will meet one-on-one for a mutual evaluation in mid-summer and at the end of the season. We will offer feedback on your work performance and learning, and we welcome feedback on the training that we offer you and general working and learning conditions. See the employee handbook for more information on evaluations and general community agreements.
By signing, farmer and apprentice agree to work together towards these learning goals in good faith, as much as time allows and according to the apprentice’s desire and interest. We also agree to abide by the community agreements of a respectful workplace outlined in the employee handbook.
Signed:
Apprentice / Date
Farmer / Date