The 6-month apprenticeship program at Sol y Valle starting in January 2025 is designed for enthusiastic individuals who want to take their learning experience to the next level. Apprentices finish the program with a permaculture design certificate (PDC) and an understanding of all important areas of sustainable living, including the following areas:

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1) Plant propagation techniques

2) Organic fertilizer production

3) Bio-controllers in organic agriculture and around the house 

4) Organic agriculture principles and practices

5) Rainwater management systems

6) Food preparation and preservation

7) Recycling and nearing zero waste

8) Sustainable Technologies 

9) Permaculture design principals 

10) Bamboo harvesting, curing, and building

11) Bio-construction with wood, rock, clay, and vetiver grass

12) Medicinal plants and their applications

13) Reforestation and trail creation/maintenance 

14) Social sustainability (community living, non-violent communication, non-hierarchical decision-making)

15) Food forestry systems (syntropic forests, biodynamic gardening)

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Within the first 3 months of arriving, the apprentice will choose a project for the last 3 months. Some options include designing and building structures, completing biodiversity studies, creating an educational program, designing for permaculture or syntropic forestry, community service, community living, etc. As an apprentice, you will ultimately choose the project you think is most interesting and fits within our mission, vision, and values.

 

The purpose of the apprenticeship program is to:

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• Prepare apprentices to lead local, sustainable environmental projects

• Empower individuals to reach their capacity through experiential learning

• Learn to apply the principles, practice, and design strategies of permaculture

• Cocreate our desired lifestyles by balancing the physical, mental, and spiritual

• Incorporate community values into our daily lives with shared decision-making, shared meals, and nonviolent communication

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This program is for the most motivated individuals and is limited to only three apprentices. The apprenticeship program is from January 15th - June 15th and costs a total of $4,440 ($740/month). The price includes room and board, all organic plant-based food, guided daily work, weekly workshops/wellness activities, and monthly trips to local attractions such as rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. Our farm has bus transportation to the biggest cities like San Jose, Cartago and Turrialba which means you can easily get around Costa Rica throughout your stay.

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Start your application by inquiring through our email address at the bottom of this page.