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.
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
Overview of Role: The Driver & Support Specialist will primarily be responsible for transporting employees between various locations throughout the workday. In addition to driving duties, the role will involve assisting with routine maintenance and supporting farm activities. The ideal candidate will be reliable, proactive, and adaptable, with a strong commitment to contributing to the organization’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Driving Duties:
Safely transport employees between designated locations in a timely manner.
Ensure the vehicle is in good working condition, conducting routine inspections and reporting any issues.
Adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations.
Maintain a clean and organized vehicle interior.
Maintenance Support:
Assist with routine maintenance tasks, including basic repairs and upkeep of facilities.
Collaborate with maintenance staff to identify and address any issues that arise.
Ensure that all maintenance activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner.
Farm Support Activities:
Provide assistance with various farm-related tasks, such as planting, harvesting, and general farm upkeep.
Operate farm equipment as needed and follow safety protocols.
Assist with inventory management and supplies related to farm operations.
Additional Tasks:
Support other operational needs of the organization as required.
Participate in team meetings and contribute to planning and execution of organizational activities.
Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors to support the mission of the organization.
Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Proven experience in a driving or transportation role.
Basic mechanical knowledge and experience with maintenance tasks preferred.
Ability to operate farm equipment safely and effectively.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility to adapt to varying tasks and responsibilities.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry up to 40lbs pounds.
Comfort with working in various weather conditions and environments.
Capability to perform manual tasks associated with farm and maintenance activities.