APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Boston Area Gleaners’ Apprenticeship Program invites individuals passionate about food access and our regional food system to work and learn together for a season, from July through November. The program is specifically designed to provide diverse practical and educational experience in the food system that we interact with every day.

Our organization works closely with farmers, volunteers, and food access organizations to power a supply chain from farms to those facing food insecurity, while reducing food waste and promoting long-term farm sustainability. As a key part of the Gleaners team, apprentices assist with all aspects of operations while learning in the field and in the classroom about the ins and outs of the Gleaners’ programs, the work of our partners, and the issues in our local food landscape.​

Boston Area Gleaners’ Apprenticeship Program invites individuals passionate about food access and our regional food system to work and learn together for a season. The program is specifically designed to provide diverse practical and educational experience in the regional food system that we interact with every day.

Our organization works closely with farmers, volunteers, and frontline agencies to power a supply chain from farms to those facing food insecurity, while reducing food waste and promoting long-term farm sustainability. Apprentices will assist with all aspects of operations while learning in the field and in the classroom about the ins and outs of the Gleaners’ programs, the work of our partners, and the issues in our local food landscape.​

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Program Details

Training and Practical Experience. Apprentices learn to harvest a wide variety of crops on gleaning projects, assist farm and food access partners with their regular growing and distribution efforts, and more.

Understand Nonprofit Work from the Inside Out. Through trainings and meetings with Gleaners staff, apprentices have an opportunity to learn about what it takes to keep a food-based nonprofit running—including strategic planning, budget development, and operations management.

Collaborate & Learn Across the Food System. The Gleaners are in a unique position where we have close partners in many directions of the New England food system. Apprentices interact with a variety of growers, frontline organizations, and food systems experts, through site visits and guest lectures. ​

​Classroom Education. Each week, apprentices will meet to discuss food systems issues and topics relevant to our work. Subjects include on-farm food waste, compost management, equitable land access, food safety, and food justice. Readings, blog posts, and individual projects help expand our learning.

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Job Responsibilities

Farm Crew: 
Apprentices regularly participate in farm harvests at sites across Eastern MA. Over the season, apprentices are expected to improve efficiency through all stages of work using problem solving skills, developing harvest goals, and holding the team to a high level of accountability.

Apprentices may also assist with other farm tasks, such as bed prep, transplanting, and weeding for our farm partners as well as the Gleaners' own site at Stonefield Farm.

Assist on Volunteer Projects:
Apprentices support volunteer trip leaders with facilitation of volunteer projects by preparing and organizing supplies, communicating clearly with farmers, helping instruct volunteer crews, and keeping records.

Facility and Operational Tasks:
Each apprentice will be involved in supporting all aspects of the Gleaners' operations—helping with the many tasks that keep facilities working and food moving. This includes loading and unloading produce, preparing harvest boxes, assisting with compost, and helping with the general organization of workspaces and trucks.

Boston Area Gleaners is a small nonprofit where a “pitch-in” spirit is expected. Assistance on additional projects or tasks may be required in addition to normal responsibilities.

Culture of Learning & Teamwork:
As we learn together, apprentices are expected to contribute to discussions in a variety of learning environments and complete weekly blogs or small independent projects. In all aspects of work, apprentices will contribute to a culture of collaboration and teamwork by supporting coworkers, understanding individual needs, and building relationships.