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Apprenticeship Program
Note: We
have filled our 2010 Apprenticeship positions. We encourage anyone
interested in learning more about NSA to
volunteer with Heirloom Gardens. Much of
what's involved in running an NSA can be learned by an inquisitive and
dedicated volunteer! We will be offering our Apprenticeship Program
again in 2011.
The program is
designed to give hands-on experience with all of the aspects of running
a successful NSA (Neighborhood Supported Agriculture) program,
including:
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Locating and contracting new garden
spaces
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Garden design and crop rotation
planning
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Garden creation
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Working member & volunteer training
and supervision
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Seed starting, repotting and
transplanting
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Organic soil amendment methods
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Harvesting
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CSA distribution
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Farmers' Market setup and operation
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Wintering over crops and garden
spaces
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Urban chicken and goat care
(optional)
Apprentices will be
required to make the following time commitment:
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February - as needed
(not more than 5 hours)
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March and April - 10 hours per month
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May through October - 20 hours per
month
From May to October,
Apprentices will need to commit at least 3 hours on either Saturday or
Sunday of each week (excluding pre-planned vacations). Additional work hours will be
scheduled as needed. Note: Apprentices will have a "bank" of 20
hours that they can utilize May-Oct in case of sickness, vacation, etc.
In addition to the time
commitment, Apprentices should:
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Feel comfortable
supervising and directing others
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Be well organized
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Interact well with the public (i.e.
customers)
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Be able to comfortably lift 40 pounds
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Have reliable transportation
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Own a shovel, trowel, and bucket
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Be ok with getting dirty!
Apprentices do not
need to have special gardening knowledge or expertise.
In exchange for their
work, Apprentices will receive a free vegetable share during the 20-week
distribution. At the conclusion of the season, Apprentices will receive
all Heirloom Gardens applications and forms (including garden
application, yard use contract, CSA member agreement, and volunteer
release of liability) for their use in starting their own NSA program!
Apprentices will also be able to attend Heirloom
Gardens classes for free (on a space-available basis).
To apply for the 2010
program, click
here
to sign up as a garden volunteer. Please indicate your interest in the
apprenticeship program. All applicants must work at least 3 garden
shifts before they can be considered for the Apprenticeship Program.
Please contact Sundari at
info@eatwhereUlive.com with
any questions.
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