Apprentice Training

Raphael Garden has positions for 4 apprentices annually. Apprenticeships last one or two years, and begin either in Spring or early Fall. Training is both practical and theoretical, intended for people looking for a vocation in small-scale farming or as garden teachers. The program is designed as part of the overall education needed to become a farmer, which may take several years. The deepened understanding of man and nature gained by working on the land through Biodynamic practices offers apprentices a rich, strong foundation for moving forward in life, whether they decide to specialize in farming or to pursue another vocation.

Harald Hoven, our master farmer, directs the Apprenticeship Program. He founded Raphael Garden in 1984, after completing his own 4-year training in biodynamic horticulture in Germany.

Practical skills taught include soil preparation, both by hand and with a small tractor; soil cultivation; growing and harvesting vegetables and herbs; small orchard management; small greenhouse management; irrigation; composting; seed saving; working with Biodynamic preparations, both making and application; pest management and control; beekeeping; and working with chickens, sheep and cows. Social skills are developed through working and living in community, managing aspects of a CSA, and working with visiting school children.

Theoretical knowledge is available through various educational offerings at Rudolf Steiner College. Apprentices will attend, at no charge, the Biodynamic Workshop Series, the Backyard Garden Series, the Beekeeping Series, and the group study of the Agriculture Lectures by Rudolf Steiner. To deepen their understanding of Biodynamics, with the approval of the farmer, apprentices can join other college students for classes in topics related to Anthroposophy.

To further enrich their educational experience, apprentices will join other apprentices and farmers at the quarterly gatherings of BDANC (the Biodynamic Association of Northern California) where they will visit local Biodynamic farms, meet other apprentices, attend interesting lectures and workshops, and participate in preparation making activities.

Prerequisites

Applicants should be willing and able to work hard, have a special interest in Biodynamics, be open to Anthroposophy and the work of Rudolf Steiner, and be ready to make a year-long commitment. They are required to read introductory literature, such as Culture and Horticulture, by Wolf Storl, and the Agriculture Lectures, Theosophy, Occult Science or other titles by Rudolf Steiner before arrival.

What to Expect

Training is free of charge, but involves hard work: 7- to 10-hour days depending on the season, Monday through Friday, with some weekend chores. There are four weeks of vacation per year.

Apprentices receive $250 support money per month during the first year, $500 per month during the second year, and are covered by Worker's Compensation. Free housing, vegetables, and milk and eggs (when available) are provided. If the support money is insufficient for an apprentice's living requirements, additional means of support are the responsibility of the apprentice. However, local jobs, both on and off campus, are available.

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