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Update - 1/22/12 - we still have one more full season apprentice spot open and several 2.5 month spots open
General Apprenticeship Information
The Center is offering an apprenticeship program in 2012 with three sessions from spring to fall, or an option to sign up for the entire season. Each session is centered around Organic Gardening and Farming, but also balanced with the Healing Arts. These include Mentoring, Massage, and Yoga, which are regular aspects of the program.
| Spring Session: March 19th to May 26th Summer Session: May 28th to August 11th Fall Session: August 13th to November 3rd Full Season: March 19th to November 3rd |
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Although the Center has 3 seasonal sessions and the full season session, we sometimes accepts interns for shorter time periods or during the off season if there is a need. Please email if you would like to check on availability. However, this program is only for those committed to their education as a farmer/serious gardener - be it just for one session or the entire season.
Room and Board is provided for all apprentices. In addition, in 2012, we will be selecting one assistant farm manager, who has had significant farming experience, that will be paid a stipend of $700/month. This team leader should be someone who is ready for signifiant responsibility, yet not quite ready to start their own farm.
The farm leader, Michael Hicks, has been organic gardening and farming since 2002 and running the apprenticeship program since 2006. The permaculture garden includes over 175 species of vegetables, herbs (over 50 species - focused on medicinal herbs), flowers, fruits (over 25 species), nuts, grains, and bees. On a smaller scale, we produce diverse crops such as amaranth, quinoa, perennial onions, chick peas, figs, kiwis, hops, and many lesser known medicinal herbs. Our market farm produces just about any vegetable you can imagine for our 67 family CSA, Farmers Markets, and local coops/natural foods stores. Main crops are garlic/onions, brassicas and hardy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, and beans. Also winter production in 3 hoop houses.
The Program Includes
- The Farm Process - Seed Starting, Season Extension, Soil Preparation, Planting, Tending, Harvesting, and Farmers Market Sales
- Permaculture Gardening at our in town gardens and farming at our Market Farm
- A form of Holistic Gardening - methods that are both environmentally and personally sustainable
- Mentoring - to help each apprentice fully absorb what the program has to offer, which includes recognizing both our gifts and passions and also embracing the areas in which we can grow to become more balanced and whole - intended to help each apprentice find their personal power
- Healing Arts - regular massage and yoga training to better balance the farming process - intended for beginners to both massage and yoga
- Sustainable Living Skills - all apprentices learn how to make cheese, yogurt, and bread, as the apprentices take turn making these on a regular basis. Cooking and creativity in the kitchen is also a regular aspect of this program. There are many opportunities for growth in Sustainable Living, which depend on season and student interest. They include: using a solar oven, drying herbs and produce in a solar dehydrator, herbal medicine making, food preservation/fermentation (canning, freezing, kimchi, sauerkraut), beer/wine/mead making, building, small business skills, etc.
- Housing in a beautiful historic house and healthy vegetarian food are provided
Welcome you to join on in sharing the abundance of this land!
Please download the application and email completed application, along with a current photo of yourself, to Michael Hicks at michael@indianacommunity.org. Those who are applying for the assistant farm manager position, please also fill out this same application. Contact us if there are any questions.
Application deadlines for 2012:
Spring Session - January 31st
Summer Session - March 30th
Fall Session - May 31th
The program does not cost for the apprentices; however, the most qualified will be chosen for the positions. All apprentices will receive a certificate upon completion of this farming program.