OEFFA Apprentice Program: Apprentice Application


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First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Best time to call:


During what time period would you be available?

From:
To:

About how many weeks of that period
would your apprenticeship last? (ideally)

weeks

Are you interested in a full time, part-time position, or would you consider either?


Please explain any restrictions on your availability in the above time-frame.


Do you have any limitations or preferences as to the location of your apprenticeship opportunity? (Do you need a position near where you live? Will you consider a live-in opportunity anywhere in the state? Out of state? Is there a location in Ohio you’d prefer?)


Describe the type of farm operation(s) you are interested in participating in. Many farms have more than one type of operation, so list all that interest you, distinguishing between major and minor interests where appropriate. Examples: vegetable market garden, orchard, herbs, cut flowers, bees, dairy, grain, livestock (beef, goats, sheep, or poultry), greenhouse, vineyard, forestry, mushrooms, Community Supported Agriculture.


What kinds of knowledge, skills and experiences are you interested in gaining during your apprenticeship? List both your major and minor interests. Be specific where appropriate. Examples: Greenhouse and seed starting; planting and care of vegetable crops; soil fertility management; composting; orchard management; brambles and berries; organic weed and pest control methods; vegetable season extension; breeding, care and disease prevention of livestock; food preservation; cut flower production, arranging and sales; beekeeping and honey production; customer relations and marketing; grain and hay operations; farm equipment operation and maintenance; carpentry and farm construction.


Why are you interested in sustainable agriculture? What are your short and long-term personal and career goals in this area?


What attracts you to farm work and farm living? If you are seeking a live-in opportunity, how do you think you will react to living and learning with unknown people in a rural area?


Provide a brief summary of the schools you have attended and your work experience. (including any agricultural experience you may have)

Are you an OEFFA member?

Are you planning to attend the OEFFA conference in March?
(Many farmers interview apprentices there.)


Explain your financial needs for the apprenticeship period. Are able to consider opportunities offering room and board only? Is the receipt of a modest weekly stipend necessary, given your financial situation? Would the apprenticeship need to pay a certain minimum hourly wage for you to consider it, even if this limits your opportunities?

Will you be able to visit the farm of prospective hosts before making a commitment?


Personal Habits

Are you a smoker or nonsmoker?

Do you have any special dietary needs, restrictions, or preferences
( e.g. vegetarian, vegan, food allergies)

How is your overall health?
Do you have any special handicaps,
medical needs or physical limitations?

Do you have transportation?

Do you have allergies? (non-food)
Would allergies such as hay fever, dust, cats, other pets or animals affect your living and working on a farm?
Are these manageable by medication?


Other considerations that may affect your apprenticeship:


References: Please provide the name, e-mail address and/or phone number of two work-related references, preferably former supervisors who can attest to your reliability, responsibility and effectiveness in a work atmosphere. These references need not be agriculture related. If you are a current or recent student, you can list a professor from a course in environmental or agricultural issues who can attest to your interest and self-motivation in this area.
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