Certified Farm Apprenticeships
Our Farm Apprenticeship Program provides intensive, hands-on training for aspiring farmers who want to develop the skills and knowledge needed to operate successful agricultural enterprises. Apprentices train at one of several area host farms in SCLT’s network, combining in-depth mentorship with experienced farmer-mentors, workshops, farm tours, and networking opportunities.
Program Features:
- Full-season training from April through October, with the possibility of 18-month positions
- Full-time, salaried employment with SCLT including comprehensive benefits
- Personalized education plans developed with host farmers
- Participation in SCLT’s beginning farmer training program
- Connections with local agencies, USDA staff, and URI extension specialists
- Weekend and evening work balanced by compensatory time off
Apprentices complete the program with not only technical farming skills, but a broader understanding of farm management and connections to resources needed to become successful farmers in Rhode Island. The program serves as a pathway for participants to eventually operate their own farm enterprises within SCLT’s network or transition to independent farming operations.
Youth Employment Program
Roughly 50 Providence and Pawtucket/Central Falls high school youth and young adults are hired each year for our year-round Youth Employment Program, engaging in work-based learning activities that span the food system. These include:
- Acquiring basic agricultural skills at three different urban farms
- Learning about nutrition and healthy cooking
- Training and experience in community outreach about climate change resilience with Groundwork RI
- Participating in college and career-readiness workshops and field trips
Farm Sites
Somerset Hayward Youth Enterprise Farm is a 1/4-acre micro-farm located off of Broad Street in South Providence. SCLT’s Providence youth program operates out of the farm from spring through fall, where youth learn to seed, tend, and harvest crops and about urban farm management. They share their harvests with surrounding neighbors as well as use it in lunches they prepare as part of the summer program.
In Providence, youth operate the Somerset Hayward Community Farm, while in Pawtucket/Central Falls, youth tend the Galego Community Farm during spring, summer, and fall. At Galego Community Farm, SCLT offers summer learning and youth employment programs that encourage young people in Pawtucket and Central Falls to learn about growing and eating healthy food, and how to advocate so that all members of their community can access fresh, nutritious, and affordable food.
Food Systems Internships
Since 2017, we’ve offered Food Systems Intern positions for adults aged 19-24, building a career pathway for racially diverse high school graduates as well as developing a skilled talent pool for green industries facing major labor shortages. These internships provide advanced training and professional development opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food systems work.
