Apprenticeships

We are available to mentor your apprenticeship search or collaborate with other organizations offering apprenticeship opportunities.

There are a lot of details below. I’m available by phone if this information is a bit overwhelming. We are here to support your efforts. 

We collaborate one-on-one to understand potential apprentice areas of interest and to talk about your options. There are several considerations related to logistics (where to live), timing (seasonal work), planning related supplemental instruction (unpaid), and your career goals. To learn more, please email Kelly@OpenSource.ag with your contact information. You can also call at 559-670-0352. I will email general information and then we can meet up or Zoom.

Our approach is Explore, Practice, Apply. You may not yet know your career interest, we will mentor you to explore the agriculture and technology sectors and practice working on projects to find out what you enjoy and have an affinity for. As you narrow your interests, Apply is where you will take your previous experiences and what you learned in Explore and Practice to Apply skills with an employer in on-the-job training. These apprenticeships are personalized to you and are designed to support you to be a competitive applicant, full-time employee, or competent entrepreneur.

There are two parts to CA Division of Apprenticeship Standards and US Department of Labor certified apprenticeships:

1. 1. Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) is 150 hours per year of exploring and practicing for work, which is unpaid learning time to prepare to be a valuable team member to an employer. We hope to get nominal stipend funding for some of this time; right now, it is unpaid learning time. Most of this takes place online or at an activity with us, depending on your interests and availability. We mentor you throughout. This instruction is personalized and targets your areas of interest, it’s not a generic online course.
   2. On-the-Job is approximately 2,000 paid hours that can take place over as long a period as you choose. You may elect to work part-time or full-time, (this is also dependent on employer priorities). Our programs are called competency-based rather than hours-based, which means you may complete competencies sooner or later than 2,000 hours. Completion is based on successfully demonstrating the competencies. We work together to locate employers near where you live.
   3. The Related Supplemental Instruction can start within a couple of weeks of signing up, after we talk. Once you are approximately 50 hours into the 150-hour requirement, we will collaborate to align you as an apprentice with an employer. The reason for completing the 50 hours is that we want to see a commitment from an apprentice before we bring in outside employers. This gives you a chance to switch occupation sectors if you want to.
   4. We will also discuss credit for prior learning with you, which includes past classes or experiences that demonstrate you are proficient at some of the RSI bullets noted, which reduces the hours of related and supplemental instruction.
   5. The minimum age to participate is 16. High school students are welcome, their ‘hours’ are half that of adults. 75 for RSI and 1,000 for the apprenticeship. It’s common for high school students to apprentice in summer.

You may participate from any state. Open Source Ag has US Department of Labor and CA Division of Apprenticeship approvals for the listed Open Source Agriculture Apprenticeship Occupations. The approved competencies for each link to a .pdf file on this site. We enroll you in both the CA Division of Apprenticeship Standards and the US Department of Labor programs so you are certified nationwide.

Agriculture Technicians

Agriculture Technicians play a vital role at the intersection of technology, science, and hands-on work in modern farming and food production. Through a blend of fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and collaboration with experienced professionals, apprentices gain real-world skills in data collection, crop and animal care, pest and weed management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Employers benefit from well-rounded technicians who are trained to operate equipment, use digital tools, solve problems, and support efficient, safe food systems. This apprenticeship offers a pathway for individuals eager to build practical expertise and contribute meaningfully to the evolving needs of agriculture and agribusiness.

Link to the CA Competencies and Related Supplemental Instruction information handout.

Link to the nationwide US DOL Competencies and Related Core Instruction information handout.

Regenerative Agriculture Technicians 

Regenerative Agriculture Technicians are at the forefront of transforming how food is grown, supporting farm ecosystems that restore soil, improve water cycles, and build climate resilience. Apprentices in this field gain practical experience with hands-on farm tasks, holistic land management, organic methods, data collection, and the use of innovative technologies, from GIS mapping to compost management. Employers benefit by integrating technicians who understand how to raise healthy crops and livestock and how to implement regenerative practices that increase productivity, conserve resources, and secure the long-term health of land and community. This apprenticeship welcomes those ready to make a difference in agriculture’s future through skilled, sustainable, and science-driven work.

Link to the CA Competencies and Related Supplemental Instruction information handout.

Link to the nationwide US DOL Competencies and Related Core Instruction information handout.

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Precision Agriculture Technicians apply cutting-edge digital tools and data-driven methods to modern farming, helping producers achieve higher yields with greater efficiency and environmental care. Through apprenticeship, individuals gain experience working with mapping software, sensors, GPS-guided equipment, and advanced analytics, translating real-time information into smarter decisions for soil health, resource use, and crop management. Employers benefit by bringing on technicians able to operate, troubleshoot, and optimize technology in the field, bridging traditional agricultural skills with the demands of today’s high-tech, sustainable operations. This apprenticeship offers a clear path for those interested in blending practical fieldwork with technology to solve real-world agricultural challenges.

Link to the CA Competencies and Related Supplemental Instruction information handout.

Link to the nationwide US DOL Competencies and Related Core Instruction information handout.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians support healthy communities and ecosystems by monitoring, testing, and analyzing the environment for potential hazards and compliance with regulations. Apprentices in this field develop skills in collecting and preparing samples, operating scientific instruments, interpreting data, and using digital tools like GIS and data visualization software. Employers benefit from technicians who can ensure site safety, track pollution, and support state and federal compliance, all while collaborating with teams and communicating results clearly. This apprenticeship is ideal for those interested in applying science and technology to real-world environmental challenges and contributing to safer, more sustainable workplaces and communities.

Link to the CA Competencies and Related Supplemental Instruction information handout.

Link to the nationwide US DOL Competencies and Related Core Instruction information handout.

Forestry and Conservation Technicians

Forestry and Conservation Technicians play a crucial role in maintaining and protecting forests, natural resources, and public lands through a unique blend of hands-on fieldwork, technical skills, and environmental stewardship. Apprentices in this pathway learn to map and manage tracts of land, monitor forest health, support fire control and reforestation efforts, collect scientific data, and use technologies like GIS and digital mapping to inform resource management. Employers value technicians who can ensure regulatory compliance, enhance land productivity, and support community and ecosystem resilience. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals with a passion for conservation, teamwork, and problem-solving who want to make a measurable impact on forests and wildlands.

Link to the CA Competencies and Related Supplemental Instruction information handout.

Link to the nationwide US DOL Competencies and Related Core Instruction information handout.

Additional Apprenticeships

The apprenticeships below are currently in review and may start immediately. Between now and formal approval, we will track your efforts and add them as credit for prior learning:

• Technical Sales Representatives
  • Technical Sales Representative apprenticeships prepare individuals to build meaningful client relationships, understand evolving markets, and deliver solutions that drive business growth. Apprentices in this field develop core skills in communication, needs assessment, product knowledge, and consultative selling, while gaining hands-on experience with digital sales tools, customer management systems, and the essentials of negotiation and contract customization. Employers benefit from professionals who can prospect and engage new clients, adapt product offerings to fit complex requirements, and support effective teamwork in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven sales environments. This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for those eager to contribute directly to business success by connecting customer needs with the right products and services.
• Robotics and Mechatronics Technicians
  • Robotics and Mechatronics Technicians are essential to designing, building, and maintaining the automated systems that power advanced manufacturing and modern industries. Apprentices in this field gain hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical components, system troubleshooting, machine programming, and the integration of robotics and digital controls. Employers benefit from technicians who can install, maintain, and repair complex equipment, support continuous improvement, and help ensure safe, efficient operations on the production floor. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who are curious about technology, skilled at problem-solving, and eager to work at the forefront of automation and innovation.
• Farm and Ranch Livestock Technicians
  • Farm and Ranch Livestock Technicians are essential to the daily care and well-being of animals on modern agricultural operations, combining hands-on work with critical thinking and attention to animal welfare. Apprentices learn to monitor animal health, assist with birthing and newborn care, maintain clean and safe living environments, operate farm equipment, and handle animals using humane, low-stress techniques. They are also trained in the essential skills of meat and poultry production, including ethical animal handling for butchery, safe processing, and compliance with food safety regulations, to support the complete cycle from livestock care to market. Employers value technicians who can ensure healthy livestock, maintain precise records, manage biosecurity, and contribute to high-quality, humane food production. This apprenticeship is well suited for individuals committed to animal care, teamwork, and practical, outdoor problem-solving in dynamic farm and ranch settings.
• Online Merchants
  • Online Merchants apprenticeships equip individuals to thrive in e-commerce by combining strategic planning, digital marketing, and hands-on business financial management. Apprentices learn to source products, manage inventory, fulfill online orders, and analyze sales trends using current digital platforms and analytics tools, and maximize return on investment. Employers benefit from team members who can operate online storefronts, develop marketing campaigns, maintain accurate records, and provide outstanding customer service in a virtual environment. This apprenticeship is ideal for those who want to build real-world skills at the intersection of business and technology, supporting organizations to reach new markets and achieve measurable, profitable online growth.
• Veterinary Assistance and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
  • Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers play a vital role in supporting animal health and advancing medical research through skilled care, teamwork, and compassion. Apprentices in this program gain practical experience in animal handling and restraint, basic husbandry, specimen collection, assisting with exams and procedures, and maintaining rigorous cleaning and infection control standards. Employers benefit from staff who ensure animal welfare, aid veterinarians and technicians with medical treatments, manage accurate records, and contribute to safe, efficient operations in clinics or research settings. This apprenticeship is ideal for those passionate about animal care and science, ready to build foundational skills in both clinical and laboratory environments, and dedicated to making a positive difference for animals and the people who rely on them.
• Accountants and Auditors
  • Accountants and Auditors play a key role in keeping organizations on track by ensuring financial information is accurate, reliable, and used to make sound business decisions. Apprentices in this field gain valuable, hands-on experience preparing financial records, analyzing transactions, assisting with audits, and using up-to-date accounting software and systems. Employers benefit from team members who can help detect errors and fraud, support compliance with tax and reporting regulations, and contribute to efficient budgeting and financial planning. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, committed to ethical standards, and eager to build foundational skills for a career in accounting, audit, or finance.

Next Steps:

1. Email or call Open Source Ag. Kelly@OpenSource.ag or 559-670-0352
2. Access the introduction email sent after your initial email or phone call, and use the calendar link provided to book a Zoom call.
3. Meet with Kelly on Zoom to review apprenticeships and discuss the Explore, Practice, Apply approach of Open Source Ag Apprenticeships.
4. Submit personal documentation for beginning the certification process, and receive a login for the Related and Supplemental Instruction community of practice.
5. Complete approximately 50 of the 150 hours of Related and Supplemental Instruction to qualify for apprenticeship placement, through a combination of virtual learning, in person activities, credit for prior learning, and regular Zoom meetings.
6. Collaborate with Open Source Ag to secure on-the-job employer placement and continue to progress with Related and Supplemental Instruction.
7. Meet twice monthly in a one-on-one progress session, or request meetings more often.
8. Complete Related and Supplemental Instruction.
9. Complete Apprenticeship Competencies toward permanent hire.