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| 2010 Apprenticeship Program |
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The 2010 Permaculture Apprenticeship at Newforest Institute will run May 1-Oct. 31. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed beginning Jan. 2, 2010.
Apprentices live on-site and are actively involved in hands-on permaculture projects designed to rehabilitate the land, including organic vegetable growing, medicinal herb cultivation, food preparation and preservation, forest gardening, green building and construction, stonemasonry, water catchment and retention, alternative energy development, sustainable forestry, community development, and youth education. While experience with permaculture is not necessary, apprentice applicants should have a strong desire to work outdoors in the landscape on creative group projects. Individuals with diverse interests and students of all disciplines (agriculture, environmental science, forestry, architecture, humanities, public policy, education, etc.) are encouraged to apply; independent study credit may be available from your college or university. Permaculture Apprenticeship The role of permaculture apprentices at Newforest is diverse. Apprentices will often be working as part of a team on specific permaculture projects with opportunities for independent work and study arising through the seasons. By living and working at Newforest, apprentices benefit from a “seed to harvest” experience, participating in the planting, cultivating, harvesting, preserving or preparing, and sharing of food and medicine plants. This interconnected cycle allows apprentices to develop a relationship with their food and the Earth through a holistic living experience. Garden apprentices work alongside Newforest garden managers Bill Errickson and Lauren Buyofsky on a daily basis, gaining hands-on experience and instruction. Apprentices work for roughly 8 hours a day, five days a week, including some time on the weekend if necessary (for harvesting, watering, etc). The schedule largely depends on the weather, thus we expect some flexibility in keeping with the natural rhythms of the agricultural seasons. Apprentices engage in moderate physical labor typical of farming, gardening and building. Time off is accommodated in a flexible and equitable manner throughout the season, to fit in with the current gardening and harvesting needs. Apprentices are also invited to participate in workshops and classes offered at Newforest, which include gardening, herbal medicine, green building and other permaculture-related topics. Charles and Julia Yelton, directors of the Permaculture Center at Newforest, provide additional support and educational opportunities for apprentices. A growing permaculture library is available for independent study, additional reading, and reference. A variety of projects will be undertaken during the season: - Gardening: planting, cultivation, and harvest of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal & culinary herbs according to biodynamic practices; preparing permaculture gardens (sheet mulching, raised bed building, etc.); edible forest garden planting; digging small garden ponds; wild cropping; mushroom cultivation; food preservation (canning, drying and freezing) and preparation. - Construction: possible projects include an outdoor composting toilet, bath house, chicken house, greenhouses for four season harvesting, arbors, and trellises; construction projects involve green and earthen building, carpentry, and stonework. - Animals: incorporating chickens and ducks into garden system; beekeeping - Community Building: an apprentice will participate in those daily activities that build community both within Newforest and with the larger community (eg. meal preparation, community events such as films and lecture series, potluck gatherings and visits from school children). Food Apprenticeship This is an apprenticeship for a person who is passionate about learning all aspects of food preparation, cooking and catering, bread baking, and food preservation (canning, drying, fermenting, etc.). Our kitchen is rooted in our Permaculture gardens, so there will always be crossover from gardening experiences to the kitchen. The food apprentice will work closely with the Newforest garden managers to incorporate fresh, organic, local food into kitchen. Apprenticeship mentors will include members of the Newforest team who have experience baking, preserving, and preparing food for sizeable groups. Julia Yelton, co-director of the Permaculture Education Center at Newforest Institute and a lead mentor for the food apprentice, previously owned and operated a successful vegetarian restaurant in Australia. Stonemason Apprenticeship The stonemason’s apprentice will participate in site preparation, design, stone harvesting, and building of permaculture-inspired stone projects on-site at Newforest Institute. The apprentice will work alongside Newforest Institute stonemason Shawn Clements, gaining instruction and hands-on experience. Possible projects include a stone retaining wall, fire ring, staircase, barbeque, and a slate patio. No previous experience is necessary, though applicants should have a strong desire to learn the craft of stonemasonry. Applicants should enjoy working outdoors and must possess the physical ability and endurance to lift and move heavy stone. Compensation, Time Frame and Accommodations Apprentices are compensated with room and board, featuring organic produce from the gardens. Apprentices are entitled and encouraged to participate in Newforest lectures, workshops, courses and community activities. A modest stipend may be available depending on experience and length of stay. Generally the apprentice schedule will follow the growing season, running from approximately May through October. Newforest has a common residence house that accommodates many different people, including workshop instructors, guest speakers, and apprentices (from time to time). Apprentices are expected to assist the staff with cooking and housekeeping chores in the common house on a regular basis. Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities are located in the common house. Wireless internet, laundry, and library resources are available. While there are no children currently living on site, there are often young children (neighbors, staff families, school groups, etc.) visiting Newforest. We have a barn loft (next to the house) and space for tents, which serve as apprentice housing in the warmer months. Applications require an interview in person when feasible, or by telephone. For more information, please contact Andrea Read or Lauren Buyofsky, (207) 722-3625 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume and three letters of reference (two work- and/or study-related and one personal) to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mail to: Apprenticeship Program Newforest Institute 66 Monroe Highway Brooks, ME 04921
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