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Apprenticeship Guidelines

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SpiritWorks Herb Farm is excited to announce our newly revised Apprenticeship Programs, designed for individuals eager to deepen their expertise in farm management, herbal processing, apothecary operations, culinary herbalism, and marketing. These intensive, experiential learning opportunities provide hands-on training in a structured, supportive environment.

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Apprenticeship Program Overview

  • Minimum commitment: two month with preference given to those able to make a longer commitment for a in-depth learning experience. Apprenticeships may begin at any time during the season, April - October

  • Program fee: $1,000 per month for the first two months, then $750 per month for additional months

  • Includes:

    • Room and board

    • Instructional support and supervision

    • Access to extensive resources (library, training courses, mentorship)

    • On-site supervision and evaluation for those seeking academic credit

    • Opportunities for self-directed research, with weekly oral and written presentations

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Apprentices choose a specialized focus:
✅ Farm Management
✅ Herbal Processing
✅ Apothecary Operations
✅ Nutritional & Culinary Herbalism
✅ Marketing & Business Development

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Program Highlights

  • Hands-On Learning: Fieldwork, coursework, meal planning, and community-building activities

  • Individualized Learning Goals: Set at the start and reviewed weekly with a Leadership Team mentor

  • Structured Curriculum: Designed to meet the requirements of most academic institutions

  • Community-Oriented Approach: Preference is given to those committing to longer stays to foster a stable, high-functioning learning environment

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This is not a work-exchange program; it is a rigorous, immersive apprenticeship meant to build leadership, competence, and specialized skills.

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Apprenticeship Qualifications

Apprentices must be:
✔️ Self-motivated learners with curiosity and a proactive approach to learning
✔️ Community-oriented, with a willingness to contribute to shared spaces and farm activities
✔️ Flexible and adaptable, as farm needs change frequently

As a SpiritWorks apprentice, you represent our values of health, community, and growth—bringing a “can-do, no-problem, get-it-done” attitude is essential.

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Commitments & Expectations

 

Trial Period:

  • The first three weeks serve as an adjustment period. If, at the end of this time, we determine that the program is not a good fit (for either party), a no-fault exit is available.

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Duration & Start Dates:

  • Commitment: 2-8 months

  • First Date: April 10, 2025

  • Last Date: October 31, 2025

  • Apprentices can start at any time, though longer stays are encouraged.

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Schedule & Workload:

  • Farm Work:  6 hours/day, 5 days/week

  • Research & Presentation: ~5 hours/week (self-chosen topic)

  • Community Involvement: 2-3 hours/week (food plan,prep, and clean-up)

  • Self-Directed Learning: Unlimited

  • Personal Time: 2 personal days per week

  • Customized personal schedules can be arranged with Leadership Team

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Note:

  • This is an active working farm with a short growing season. Our paid staff work long days while daylight allows. 

  • Anticipate working with the weather dictating our scheduled farm work. It may be an early start to beat the heat, or working late one day due to completing transplanting before it rains. Cultivating a "can-do no-problem attitude" that reflects one's joy for the delights that cooperating with nature yields positive results.  

  • As your body gets used to the physical demands of farm work, it becomes easier -- strengthening the body, clearing the mind, and creating more time for play and research. 

  • The sun sets late here, and there are fantastic outdoor and cultural opportunities throughout the region for your personal time

  • Anticipate a community meeting every week, and more often when needed, to discuss concerns that are emerging and what is going well and what can be improved. We are constantly learning how to bring our best to this venue and how to improve our community experience.  The goal is for everyone to have a memorable and valuable life experience here and to feel valued for their participation in and contribution to the emergence of the highest potential for a bountiful harvest, learning, health, individual personal growth, and with the intimate with nature lifestyle possibilities here.

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Living Arrangements

 

Your food and accommodations are provided in exchange for your immersion in farm living with the fees associated with the experience you are here for.   

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Housing

  • May 1 – Oct 15: Spacious personal tent provided in the farm’s campground

  • Colder months & summer option: Shared bunk rooms available

  • Private room: One private room is available for $200/month

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Meals

  • Farm-to-table meals per workday

  • Meals are organic, nutritious, and herbal-focused, vegan and meat options

  • Apprentices participate in meal preparation and cleanup on a rotating schedule

  • Food is available for non-work days

  • Personal budgets for supplemental comfort foods are recommended

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Resources Provided

✅ 24/7 access to the farm’s extensive library & training resources
✅ Direct mentorship from the Owner & Leadership Team
✅ Structured curriculum with on-site support & academic evaluation

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Financial Information & Fees

  • $1,000/month for the first two months

  • $750/month for each additional month

  • Meals, housing, coursework, and mentorship are all included

  • Personal budgets for supplemental comfort foods are recommended

  • Some educational offerings may have a fee for participation, depending upon what the facilitator requires.  If so, participation is optional.  It is recommended that you bring a cash reserve of up to $500 for these events.

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A Word about our Legacy Projects:

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All who come here identify a Legacy Project by the end of their second week to be completed before they leave.  The Legacy Project provides future participants with something that enhances their experience here. 

 

Past projects have included: artwork, a chicken house, a grape arbor, library remodel, "The Wow", a unique garden feature, an herbal ebook of herbal presentations.

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Proposed projects are presented to the leadership team for approval.  Materials and supplies can be provided by the owner.  Your project is done during your "free non-farm time".

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This is your opportunity to be creative and to leave a piece of yourself behind for future participants to enjoy.

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Please Note

  • Please no smokers as nicotine stunts the growth of the plants, and secondhand smoke is a health hazard to others.  

  • Singles, couples, and both genders are welcome.   I anticipate no more than nine farmworkers present at a time; However, there will be additional farm stay guests and campers. 

  • Experienced agriculturalists and neophytes are both welcome.  We all learn from each other and Mother Nature.

  • Rides into Whitefish (5 miles) or Kalispell (9 miles) can be coordinated.  

  • English spoken here

  • Dog on site; bringing your own pet is not an option.​

  • Cell phones and Internet devices are to be used only during personal time in designated areas.

  • Zero tolerance for use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs during your stay here.  Those who have been here have mentioned the benefit of abstaining from these substances while engaging in a vigorous and strength building lifestyle.

  • ATTRA has great resources to help participants create their learning objectives.     https://attra.ncat.org/publication-library/

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How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please:

  1. Thoroughly review our websites to ensure our programs align with your goals:

  2. Visit the "How to Apply" tab at www.SpiritWorksHerbs.com

  3. Submit your completed application to SpiritWorksHerbs@email.com

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We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals for

a season of growth, learning, and shared experiences.

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