Skills competency checklist

Practical apprenticeship preparation and supervised learning worksheet.

Who should use this guide

Skills competency checklist develops a documented skill related to beginning farmer apprenticeships. Use the worksheet for a prospective apprentice, instructor or mentor. A documented project is not proof that a sponsored apprenticeship exists or that it is registered.

Step-by-step training plan

  1. Define the specific skill and an observable result for this skills competency checklist.
  2. Identify a qualified supervising adult or employer and confirm who is responsible for safety.
  3. List equipment, age restrictions, protective gear and required permissions before starting.
  4. Observe a demonstration; complete supervised practice and write down dates, hours and measurements.
  5. Ask for specific feedback and record corrections and the next training milestone.
  6. Verify formal program status and entry requirements directly with the named sponsor.

Work record and portfolio prompts

  1. Training date, task and approved work location
  2. Instructor or supervisor and training objective
  3. Tools, materials and protective measures
  4. Time spent, quantities observed and skills practiced
  5. Feedback and mistakes corrected
  6. Next steps and credential or program source

Apprenticeship due diligence

Clarify whether the opportunity is a registered apprenticeship, an internship, a paid entry-level position, a school project or informal mentoring. Confirm pay, any housing terms, supervision, insurance, safety, cancellation provisions and permissible tasks. Do not publish minors’ contact details, identifying work locations or personal identifiers.

Explore the Beginning farmer apprenticeships pathway and read Farm.FM for agricultural context.

Official starting points

Verify current programs directly. These references do not establish that an apprenticeship is offered in any particular county.

Updated November 14, 2026. Independent educational directory. No unverified openings, employers or apprenticeship approvals are listed.