Modern apprenticeship programs are often similar to vocational training programs, taught at community colleges or vocational schools. In a modern apprenticeship program, learners are taught by experts, usually in both a classroom and in a practical setting, gaining the skills of a trade. At the end of their program of study, the learner is given a certification and potentially membership in a guild or union. Dreamcatcher is a bit different.

Dreamcatcher’s apprenticeship program invites the applicant to work together with the VAP staff to dig into what really drives them and what kind of work or vocation they are truly called to. Once an applicant has selected their desired area of study they are paired with an expert or master craftsperson who co-creates a curriculum with the apprentice. The apprentice then joins a team of learners and teachers made up of the experts and their apprentices and journeymen.

Beyond the support and training that an apprentice receives within their team of learners, the greater Dreamcatcher Community is there to support and guide all of its members through the actions and infrastructure of daily life.

Apprentices live and work on the farm during their apprenticeship program and are offered a permanent place within the community upon completion of their curriculum. Dreamcatcher does not charge tuition for the VAP, instead apprentices and journeymen are paid a living stipend during their program. A percentage of their stipend will be set aside in a savings account on behalf of the participant which will be paid out to them at the end of their program. This nest egg can be used by the new master craftsperson as they wish, whether they want to take it and start a new business somewhere else, invest it in a home outside the farm or in a private dwelling within the farm if they decide they want to stay and remain as a permanent resident and community member. Room and board is free of charge for a all VAP participants during their program of study.

Participants who are single and without dependents are housed within the Bunk House. Meals are communal and served family style. All VAP participants are responsible for the upkeep of the Bunk House and all of its communal spaces. Individuals are responsible for the upkeep of their personal bunk space and foot locker. Meals are prepared by each apprentice team on a rotating basis. The Bunk House kitchen and community room is available for use by all Community Members as well as Visiting Community Members. VAP participants who are part of a couple or who have dependents are housed any of the vacant domiciles on the farm grounds. Depending on availability and number of family members needing to be housed together, a small housing fee may be applied.

If an applicant to the VAP is applying as part of a couple or family group all members of the family group must be equally willing to participate in the communal life of the farm and in the farm’s activities according to their ability. All minors are required to be enrolled in some form of educational program, either public or private school outside the farm or as part of the Farm School or Farm Day Care. Dependents of VAP participants are free to explore any of the areas of farm life that interest them as members of Visiting Work Parties, Day-Long Skills Seminars or as farm volunteers during U-Pick harvests, the Annual Folk Arts Festival, or Community Work Parties. They may also work with any of the apprentice teams on projects as long as they are respectful, helpful, and welcome and the Master Craftsperson gives them permission. Minors 16 and over are welcome to apply to the VAP once they reach the age of 16 with parental consent or the age of 18. VAP participants under the age of 18 must complete High School or the High School equivalency exam in order to participate.