Paid training. Real experience. A pathway to farm management.
Farm managers need more than technical agricultural knowledge. They need experience leading people, managing operations, solving problems and making decisions in a constantly changing environment.
The Center for Land-Based Learning’s Farm Manager Apprenticeship combines paid, on-the-job training with agricultural coursework, leadership development and individualized support to prepare beginning farm managers for advancement in California agriculture.
The state-registered apprenticeship serves aspiring farm managers, including agricultural employees who are ready to move into supervisory and management roles.
Program Update
The Farm Manager Apprenticeship is not accepting applications through 2027.
We continue to work with agricultural employers and industry partners as we plan for the program’s future. Updates about future enrollment opportunities will be shared as they become available.
Questions about the Apprenticeship Program can be sent to apprenticeship@landbasedlearning.org
Learn While You Work
The Farm Manager Apprenticeship is designed around a simple idea: some of the most important skills in agriculture are learned on the job.
Over approximately two years, apprentices combine paid employment with structured instruction and leadership development. The program connects what participants learn in the classroom directly to the responsibilities they take on at their farms.
Apprentices complete
3,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
Hands-on experience with participating agricultural employers aligned with core farm management competencies.
250 hours of related instruction
Courses and training covering technical agriculture, business, management, communication and leadership.
On-the-Job Training
Apprentices gain practical experience while working for participating agricultural employers.
Training is aligned with the skills needed to manage agricultural operations and gives apprentices opportunities to build experience across areas such as production, equipment, soil and crop management, business operations, communication and leadership.
Because apprentices remain connected to real farm operations throughout the program, they are able to apply what they learn directly to their work.
Agricultural & Leadership Training
Apprentices complete structured coursework designed to strengthen both technical and management skills.
Instruction includes:
- Soil science
- Plant science
- Irrigation management
- Pest management
- Leadership
- Communication
Additional topics may include:
- Crop planning
- Business management
- Regulatory compliance
This is one of the big strengths of the program: you aren’t just training someone to be a better producer; you’re preparing them to manage people and operations.
Individual Support Along the Way
Every apprentice brings different experience, goals and challenges to the program.
Monthly one-on-one check-ins provide individualized support throughout the apprenticeship, while regular evaluations with apprentices and their supervisors help identify progress, set goals and address challenges.
Apprentices also participate in cohort sessions that provide additional training and opportunities to learn alongside others preparing for agricultural leadership roles.
Employers Are Part of the Program
The apprenticeship is built in partnership with agricultural employers.
Participating employers provide the workplace where apprentices complete their on-the-job training and work with CLBL to support skill development and advancement.
CLBL maintains regular communication with employers throughout the apprenticeship, and the program is informed by an advisory committee of agricultural employers and industry partners to help ensure training remains relevant to workforce needs.
Building California’s Farm Management Workforce
The goal of the Farm Manager Apprenticeship is not simply to complete a training program.
It is to help develop experienced agricultural employees who have the technical, leadership and management skills needed to take on greater responsibility within the industry.
Through the program, apprentices work toward:
- A state-recognized journeyworker credential
- Advancement into supervisory and management roles
- Increased technical and leadership skills
- Greater earning and career advancement opportunities
For employers, the program helps develop a pipeline of skilled farm managers while supporting employee retention, advancement and stronger farm operations.
Industry & Community Partners
The Farm Manager Apprenticeship is supported by relationships throughout California’s agricultural and workforce development communities, including:
Agricultural employers • Subject matter experts • Apprenticeship Committee members • California Division of Apprenticeship Standards • San Joaquin County Office of Education • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits • Workforce development and training partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Farm Manager Apprenticeship accepting applications?
No. CLBL is not accepting applications for the Farm Manager Apprenticeship through 2027. Future enrollment information will be shared as plans develop.
Is the apprenticeship paid?
Yes. Apprentices complete 3,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with a participating agricultural employer.
How long does the program take?
The apprenticeship is designed to take approximately two years and combines on-the-job training with 250 hours of related instruction.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is designed for aspiring farm managers, including agricultural employees interested in advancing into supervisory and management positions.
What credential do apprentices earn?
Participants who successfully complete the program earn a state-recognized journeyworker credential validating their training and experience.