Apprentice Farmer

An apprentice supports the Education and Preservation Mission of Historic Trades and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation by learning and demonstrating the hand skills required to manufacture traditional work of the colonial period. The Apprentice will research primary and secondary 18th-century sources and object-based study. The Apprentice will work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators to better understand a specific trade. The Apprentice will preserve and perpetuate the trade skills by providing a pro-active interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who populated and produced such work in the 18th century.

 Essential Functions:

• Learns and develops proficiency in working with appropriate materials, tools, and 18th c. methods as outlined through a five-level curriculum under the direction of the master or journeyman supervisor.
• Research available information and may conduct ongoing supplemental research to the existing body of knowledge.
• Applies learned hand skills and research through demonstration while employing the National Association of Interpretation techniques to provide in-depth thematic interpretations of the trade, history, and products and services in the community, region, and world.
• Assists with in-depth seminars, workshops, and forums as required using Colonial Williamsburg assigned technological platforms.
• Adheres to safety and security procedures for work, workshops, tools, and people
•  Performs other related duties as assigned.   

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required: High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th c. colonial history. 

Preferred: Four-year Degree in American History and or Successful Completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have good communication skills, learn, execute, demonstrate, research, and teach varied hand skills usually gained through progressive work experience.
• Must have familiarity with various universal and specific computer platforms as designated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities while working within a set of guidelines and procedures with general supervision, adapting to a changing work environment, and working a flexible schedule, including weekends. 

The apprenticeship program, which includes 5 levels of expertise, offers an hourly rate beginning at $15 per hour with increases  with the obtainment of the skill levels.