Biodynamic Apprentice Training

There is no better way of learning about biodynamic farming and gardening than out on a farm or in the garden alongside an experienced biodynamic practitioner

For the last twenty years, the Biodynamic Agricultural Association has been offering a practical two year apprentice training in biodynamic agriculture and horticulture. This takes place on 25 well established biodynamic holdings around the country and is open to everyone aged 21 and over. Apprentices usually live and work on the farm in exchange for board, lodging and training. Practical tuition is supported by weekly tutorials and a programme of seminars and block courses. Apprentices undertake a project on a subject of their choice during their second year. On completion apprentices receive a certificate issued by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association.

After completing the two year programme, apprentices may attend a third year National Award course at Emerson College.

Other Training Options

Emerson College
Emerson run a 2 year course called: Biodynamic Organic Agriculture Training - the Art of Farming September start each year:
A full-time training of two years for those who aim to become biodynamic farmers. Students stay at Emerson College between September and March and receive full-time training in both theoretical subjects like soil and plant science, phenomenology, animal husbandry and vegetable growing, as well as artistic and philosophical topics such as painting, singing, anthroposophy and biodynamics. The afternoons are spent building up your farmer’s skill set with courses in tractor driving, tractor maintenance and small repairs, welding, fruit tree pruning, etc. The Summers are dedicated to placements on professionally run biodynamic or organic farms, where the students learn from the experts in the field. After successfully completing the course students graduate with a National Certificate in Agriculture, an official government-recognised diploma.

Graduates from the BDAA Apprentice Training Scheme can follow a 6-months follow-up course at Emerson College which leads to an accredited National Award in Agriculture.

More details?  Click here to download a pdf  or go to their website www.emerson.org.uk and click on full time courses.  

Contact the course tutor: click here

Costs: Please see the Emerson website for this



The Biodynamic Association also runs shorter training courses, workshops, conferences  etc  - please go to our events page for current listings.
 

Lynette West from the Biodynamic Education Centre in Australia regularly runs “ Foundation courses in Biodynamics.   This training course offers you a unique opportunity to participate in a competency based education program for biodynamic farming and gardening.
Through attendance on this training course you will gain a very thorough understanding of biodynamic farming and gardening practice and develop the skills and knowledge to work with biodynamic principles within your own individual situation. This course has been designed as Three Learning Modules which involve both theoretical and practical work.  Each learning module covers two days and provides an opportunity to put this learning into practice before attendance at the next training level.  
FFI:  dates of courses etc please go to to www.biodynamiceducation.com

Distance learning Certificate Program for Biodynamic Practice from Lynette West
The Certificate Program is a distance education study program suitable to people of all ages and situations who wish to develop their knowledge and skills for biodynamic practice. The Certificate Program brings together all the different components of biodynamic practice in a complete study program.  Participation on this program will give you a comprehensive understanding of the biodynamic method and the confidence to initiate, plan and develop a biodynamic site.     
Pre-requisite Knowledge and Skills
To be able to successfully complete the Certificate Program you will need to have basic knowledge and skills for farming or gardening practice.
Site Resources
You will need a physical site where you can undertake the practical activities for the duration of the course.  This can be your own site or a nominated site.
More info?  Click here for a brochure ( pdf)