How Could an Apprentice Help Your Farm?

In honor of Youth Apprenticeship Week, learn more about CAIC’s partners at the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC).

 

Are you a Maryland farmer or value-added producer looking for additional hired help on your farm? Whether you’re in search of someone to work the register at farmers markets, someone to support the adoption of new agricultural technology, someone to help increase your customer base, or someone to work on modernizing and strengthening your bookkeeping system, you might be able to find what you need by hiring a youth apprentice.

 

What exactly are apprentices, and how can CAIC help connect you to one? Read on to learn more.

Dupont Circle Farmers Market in the fall
D.C.’s Dupont Circle market is open throughout the year, rain or shine

What are apprenticeships, and how are they different from traditional employment?


An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. It’s designed to grow the workforce by giving young people hands-on experience and specific skills in a particular trade or profession. Apprentices work for a set period of time under the guidance of experienced professionals, and learn both practical techniques and workplace best practices. Along with earning a wage, they also gain the skills necessary for their career path. For young people, apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway to employment, allowing them to acquire industry-recognized qualifications and develop the abilities needed to succeed in their chosen field. For employers, they provide access to a pipeline of talented, work-ready employees. 


Do apprenticeships work well for employers?


Yes! Research from the Department of Labor shows that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship program, organizations realize an average return of $1.47. This makes apprenticeships a far safer and more cost-effective source of talent acquisition than traditional hiring. The same study also found that 91% reported that their pipeline of skilled workers had increased, while 87% reported improved employee productivity. What’s more, 81% of companies reported that their turnover had decreased, and 78% found that there had been an increase in innovation.

What’s the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC)?

 

MAC is a non-profit organization, funded by the Maryland Department of Education, that matches Maryland employers looking for talented workers with work-ready apprentices. Their team of workforce innovators includes experts in leadership, team development, business planning, and technology. Together, they collaborate with Maryland companies to create short- and long-term apprenticeship solutions to meet their workforce needs. MAC also provides support with training, onboarding, and other key areas free of charge. 

 

We want to hear from you!

 

In the coming months, MAC and CAIC will be working together to identify potential roles for youth apprentices at Maryland farms. As part of that, we’re interested in learning more about the hiring needs of Maryland farmers and producers—so we want to hear from you! Please take the time to share your thoughts by filling out this brief survey. We can also help put you in touch directly with someone from MAC. 

STAY IN TOUCH

Want to stay up to date with the latest news from Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center? Subscribe to our e-newsletter! We share news and updates once a month related to the CAIC ecosystem. 

MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.

Date and Time of Session: Wednesday, October 20th; 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Course Description: This presentation discusses strategies for B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) growth via marketing and sales. The presentation focuses on each company’s plans to diversify its revenue streams by using e-commerce, exporting, and overall customer acquisition tactics to support and enhance brand awareness.
Desired Prerequisite Knowledge and Experience of Attendees: There are no prerequisites for this Virtual Presentation.
Criteria for Acceptance into the Virtual Presentation: Attendees need to have a product-based business; this is not suited for technology and/or app companies.