Apprenticeship Program

Apprentice Application Process

(You may download the following information as a PDF file.)

Veterans in Agriculture (VIA) assists military Veterans to develop, grown, and succeed as Iowa’s next generation of farmers and agribusiness leaders. VIA is sponsoring two registered agricultural apprenticeship programs, which have been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The following shares the qualifications, fees, and application requirements for interested apprentices. The Registered Agricultural Apprenticeship program is open to both military and Veteran participants, as well as civilians intersted in agricultural careers.

Apprentice Minimum Qualifications

Applicants shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Age: Applicants shall be at least 18 years. Applicants must provide evidence of minimum age, respecting any applicable State Law or regulations;
• Education: Applicant must be a high school graduate, or its equivalents. Applicants must meet any entrance requirements of Veterans In Agriculture and the employer;
• Physical/Mental: Applicants shall perform the essential functions of the occupation without endangering the health and safety of themselves and/or fellow workers. Applicants can request reasonable accommodation(s) to complete the essential job functions;
• Will be drug free and agree to submit to random drug testing;
• Submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if they are a Veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience;
• Provide a valid driver’s license;
• Provide I-9 Verification, which will also be required when hired onto a mentor farm.

Fees Collected

• $250 application fee will be collected at the time of submitting application.

Fees must be paid in full at the time of submitting application. Depending on availability of funds, scholarships may be available to cover the application fee, in which case qualified applicants will be reimbursed. Scholarships will be awarded to Veterans and active military personnel, including individuals with an Honorable Discharge as shown on submited DD-214. Scholarship funds will not be used if GI Benefits are drawn to cover the application fee.

Application Process

Interested apprentices must file an application with Veterans In Agriculture.

The application will consist of:

• Cover letter;
• Applicant resume;
• Diploma from highest education level completed, (ex: HS diploma, GED, College Degree);
• DD-214, if a Veteran;
• Applicant’s story: requires a minimum of 250 words.  Each response to the questions below (outlining farming and related experience) may not exceed a maximum of 1,000 words per response. This information should be included as a separate attachment.
  • Describe your interest in this program and why you are applying;
  • Describe your agriculture, farming, and related experience and how it applies or could be used in this training program; such as experience with livestock, crops, horticulture, machinery, CDL, etc.
  • Discuss your goals for this apprenticeship program and your learning objectives;
  • Discuss your future goals and how this program will help you obtain them;
  • Any additional applicable information.

Interested apprentices are asked to submit a paper copy of their application, including payment of application fees to Veterans In Agriculture. The application information described above, plus PDF versions of the requested document(s), and fee payment may be submitted electronically on the Apprentice Application Form.  All documents and fees can also be sent by mail (make checks payable to Veterans In Agriculture) at the address below.

Veterans In Agriculture
6165 NW 86th St.
Johnston, IA 50131

Please submit any questions to Beth Grabau using our Contact Page or by calling 855-951-0108.