Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

APPRENTICE

Seedtime to Harvest Apprenticeship

At Bonton Farms, the Seedtime to Harvest Apprenticeship engages an individual in the process of acquiring new skills that lead to greater self-actualization and workforce development. Each Apprentice’s journey will begin by working on the farm as a Farming Apprentice. We believe starting as a Farming Apprentice can help develop a wide range of transferable skillsets that are applicable to various professional industries beyond agriculture, and offers numerous benefits, which support the organization’s mission and core values, including:

Hands-on Learning

Problem Solving

Time Management

Real-World Experience

Teamwork and Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Skill Development

Leadership

Environmental Awareness

Mentorship / Guidance

Personal and Professional Growth

The Bonton Farms Seedtime and Harvest Apprenticeship Program is a peer driven program designed to achieve self-actualization. The Program endorses a relational, transformative, person-centered approach to empower, educate, and equip on the (7) Human Essentials, which are based on the social determinants of health and their workforce development needs.

The (7) Human Essentials are Transportation, Education, Access to Financial Tools, Community, Health & Wellness, Economic Stability, and Safe and Affordable Housing (T.E.A.C.H.E.S.). Bonton Farms uses the acronym, T.E.A.C.H.E.S., as a convenient and effective way to streamline our communication, enhance clarity, and facilitate memory recall regarding the importance of the Human Essentials. Apprentices will be exposed and educated on these concepts through a classroom type of environment in which they attend several times a week.

Here are three concepts to the Apprenticeship Program important for you to know:

Self-actualization is a concept that refers to the realization or fulfillment of your potential, talents, and abilities. It represents the desire to become the most that you can be, and to achieve personal growth and fulfillment.

Social determinants of health are the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence an individual’s health outcomes and overall well-being. These factors include socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, access to healthcare, social support networks, and environmental conditions. Understanding and addressing social determinants of health are crucial for promoting health equity and improving population health.

Workforce development refers to the systematic process of preparing you to enter, succeed in, and advance within the labor market by providing you with the education, training, skills, and support needed to meet the demands of employers and contribute effectively to the economy.

Program Eligibility:

Apprentices will go through several evaluations to determine eligibility.

Must be at least 18 years of age (Age of Majority).

Must have demonstrated abstinence from illicit substance use.

Applicants with a substance use history must present proof of sobriety for a minimum of 30 days and/or a certificate of completion from a treatment program.

Must demonstrate a voluntary willingness to work well with others and subordinate to peer coaching and mentoring relationships.

Must strive to possess a growth mindset (believing that you can improve with optimal and intentional effort, hard work, and persistence).

Must not have any history with committing a sex offense.

Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs., bend, walk, and stand for long periods in all seasons of the year.

The Apprenticeship Program is not an intervention. We give Apprentices the opportunity to practice what they are learning on the job, as well as the grace to fail forward.

Overview of Role:

The Apprentice role is a foundational, hands-on position within the Bonton Farms People Program. Apprentices receive paid training, mentorship, and structured skill-building opportunities across various Bonton Farms enterprises. This role helps individuals develop work-readiness skills, build confidence, and gain practical experience while supporting daily operations across the farm, café, coffeehouse, retail areas, and community engagement efforts.

Apprentices contribute to the mission of Bonton Farms by actively engaging in meaningful work that strengthens the organization and the surrounding community. This role is designed for individuals seeking personal and professional growth while gaining exposure to multiple career pathways.

Key Responsibilities

Apprentices may be assigned to one or more departments based on program design, business needs, and individual development goals. Responsibilities may include:

Farm & Livestock Support

· Assist with planting, harvesting, washing, and packaging produce.

· Support livestock care including feeding, watering, and general pen/coop upkeep.

· Maintain farm grounds, irrigation, and growing areas through basic landscaping, weeding, and cleaning tasks.

Maintenance

· Gounds keeping (cleaning patios, sidewalks, etc.

· Assist Contractors with labor, landscaping (cutting grass, spreading mulch, etc.)

· Assist Facilities Manager with daily tasks, work orders and/or emergency maintenance issues

Market Café & Coffeehouse

· Provide support with basic food prep, dishwashing, stocking, and cleaning.

· Assist with customer service tasks such as bussing tables, running food, or supporting shift leads as trained.

· Support daily setup, breakdown, and overall cleanliness of the café and coffeehouse spaces.

Preservatory & Retail Production

· Assist in labeling, packaging, and assembling retail and food products.

· Support inventory rotation, cleanliness, and organization of production spaces.

· Assist in preparation of baked goods and retail items as trained.

Professional Development & Program Participation

· Attend all required People Program workshops, coaching and mental health sessions, and check-ins.

· Complete assigned training modules and skill-building activities.

· Actively participate in growth planning (goal setting, progress tracking, etc.).

Competencies & Expectations

Reliability & Punctuality: Consistent attendance and on-time arrival.

Coachability: Open to feedback, willing to learn, and receptive to support.

Teamwork: Works cooperatively with supervisors, mentors, and peers.

Accountability: Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and follows through.

Professionalism: Demonstrates positive communication, respect, and care for people, animals, and spaces.

Mission Alignment: Shows commitment to Bonton Farms’ mission and the Seven Human Essentials.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30–50 lbs.

Ability to work in varied environments including outdoor farm settings, kitchen spaces, and production areas.

Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet conditions depending on assignment.

Work Schedule

· Orientation (Week 1): Monday-Friday / 40 hours per week

· Remaining Weeks: Tuesday – Saturday / 40 hours per week

Qualifications

No prior work experience required.

Willingness to learn new skills and complete assigned training.

Ability to follow instructions and work safely.

Must be able to work respectfully with diverse staff, customers, community members, and volunteers.

Program benefits based upon need:

Financial Wellness Program

Sense of Community & Belonging

Build Workforce & Industry Partnerships

Opportunities to Acquire & Develop Workforce Skills Mentorship & Peer Support

Subsidized Housing

Access to Mental Health Service

Support with Personal & Professional Goal Development

Assistance with Transportation

Benevolence

Meal assistance – one a day