apprenticeship frequently asked questions (2024)

DO I GET TO CHOOSE THE FARM WHERE I TRAIN? HOW DOES THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS WORK?

When you apply for the Apprenticeship program, you will have a chance to indicate which farms, production types, and geographic areas you are interested in on the application form. Please read the Host Farm descriptions before you apply and make a list of which host farms you are interested in (up to 15 farms). RFC sends each application to the Host Farms that the applicant indicates interest in on their application. Host Farmers may review any applicant in our system (not only the ones we directly send to them). Host Farmers review applications and reach out to applicants they want to interview. Host Farmers often do two rounds of interviews before making a placement offer. Applicants may interview with multiple Host Farms, and can accept or decline interview and placement offers. We encourage applicants who receive offers to do their due diligence to make sure a position is a good fit for them by getting answers to any questions directly from the host farmer, checking a Host Farms’ references (provided when a placement is offered), and requesting and reading the host farm’s employee handbook or on-farm agreement as well as their on-farm curriculum or skills list. 

WHY IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE?

The Apprenticeship Program fee goes toward the class, farm tour, and discussion series, including instructor honoraria, materials and supplies, and program event costs, as well as toward Rogue Farm Corps staff time for Apprentice check-ins and support during the program and beyond, developing materials, and administrative tasks.

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?

Rogue Farm Corps has scholarships for program fee assistance. Please indicate if you need a scholarship on your application and visit our Scholarship Page for more information.

DO I HAVE TO PAY THE WHOLE APPRENTICESHIP FEE UP FRONT?

No. Rogue Farm Corps does expect a non-refundable deposit upon accepting a placement offer in order to hold your place in the program. The balance is paid after an on-farm trial period. Payment plans are available by request. See the Apprenticeship description page for details.

DO I HAVE TO LIVE ON THE FARM?

Generally no. Some Host Farms offer apprentice housing and some do not. Please check each Host Farm’s listing to see what is offered. Some farms that offer housing may strongly prefer an apprentice to live on-site. 

On the application form you will specify your housing needs and preferences and will have the opportunity to discuss housing options with Host Farmers during the interview process. If you have specific questions, you may contact an RFC staff person.

DO I NEED TO HAVE FARMING OR OUTDOOR WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE I APPLY? WILL THAT HELP OR HURT MY APPLICATION?

Previous experience is not necessary to apply, but it generally does help. Some Host Farms may only consider applicants with some previous outdoor, farm, and/or on-your-feet job experience (see each farm listing for details of what they are looking for). Some farms prefer applicants with no prior farm or ranch experience. All Host Farms are generally looking for people who are passionate about farming and learning with their minds and bodies.

HOW IS THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FARM TRAINING PROGRAMS OR WWOOF'ING?

Apprentices work and train at commercial farm operations and are hired as employees at the Host Farm and protected by labor laws. This gives Apprentices a “real-world” opportunity to learn farming and the business of farming that is different from training programs based on school-based farms. Additionally the class and farm tour series provides the opportunity to see how a variety of real farms are run.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER APPRENTICESHIP ON FARMS THAT DO NOT CHARGE A FEE?

Apprentices participate in a series of educational and networking activities that augment the on-farm experience with a cohort of peers over the course of the season. RFC Apprentices complete an on-farm training curriculum that is unique to the host farm site. In addition, Apprentices and Host Farms have the support of RFC staff.

THERE ARE TWO OF US THAT WANT TO DO AN APPRENTICESHIP TOGETHER. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Some of our Host Farmers may be willing to place participants who want to work together. Another possibility to consider is to live together but train at separate farms in the same region. You should mention any interest in these kinds of arrangements in your application.

HOW FLEXIBLE ARE THE START AND END DATES?

Exact start/end dates are usually dictated (with some flexibility) by each Host Farm (see each individual Host Farm listing). However, once you have applied you are welcome to discuss your unique situation with Host Farmers, RFC staff, as well as put the details of your situation in your application. There is a question on the application about your availability in relation to start and end dates.

HOW MANY ROGUE FARM CORPS POSITIONS ARE TYPICALLY AT EACH FARM?

There can be up to 4 RFC participants at any given time at one Host Farm. Most host farmers work with between 1 and 3 Apprentices per season.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A VEHICLE?

Most Host Farms require that participants have a vehicle. Some do not. Most of our host sites are located in rural settings away from public transport and amenities, so a car is usually needed both for general use as well as to get to in-person RFC educational events. In some cases participants have been able to get by without a personal vehicle by carpooling with other participants or arranging to borrow a farm vehicle.  

AM I ABLE TO RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDITS FOR THIS PROGRAM?

It depends. We can work with you to explore the option for college credits through any academic institution you may be enrolled in. It is up to you to seek out a professor, advisor, or other staff person at your institution to ask about this process. We are happy to work with your institution and provide documentation as needed.

ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS FOR THESE PROGRAMS?

Please see our International Applicants page.

I’M INTERESTED IN THE PORTLAND CHAPTER BUT I’M CURIOUS ABOUT OTHER SIMILAR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PORTLAND AREA AS WELL.

Rogue Farm Corps is one of a variety of beginning farmer development programs operating in the Portland area. The most similar is the Zenger Farm Apprenticeship. Rogue Farm Corps helps create a larger community of beginning farmers in the Portland area by offering to share our classes & discussion circles with participants in these other programs.

Other beginning farmer development programs in the Portland area include Clackamas Community College’s Organic Farming Certificate (academic program), Adelante Mujeres Sustainable Farming Class Series (Spanish language program), CAMPO (Spanish language program), Pathways to Farming Program (farm incubator program for farmers of color), and Headwaters Incubator Program (provides access to land, infrastructure, equipment, and training for people ready to launch their farm business).

I'M A COLLEGE STUDENT, WOULD I BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE DURING A QUARTER OR SEMESTER OFF, OR DURING A SUMMER BREAK?

Some Host Farmers may offer short-season positions that fit with college students’ schedules. Keep in mind that successful completion of an RFC Apprenticeship requires a minimum of 500 on-farm training hours, which takes ~3 months to complete at 40 hours/week. Please make your availability clear on your application.

WHAT ARE YOUR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS?

Each Host Farm may have its own COVID-19 protocols. RFC’s current COVID-19 protocol for in-person events is here.