Upon completion of the education program, a student chooses an apprenticeship in one work area: farming, gardening, estate work, home economics, weaving or bakery. Entering an apprenticeship is a major life step, which signals a new level of maturity and responsibility and a new status within the community. Apprentices are expected to carry greater responsibilities in their houses, according to ability, and will have more choices, for example, whether to live in a small or a large household. Older apprentices have increasing flexibility and individually-tailored opportunities for independence, including work experience outside the community. Apprentices may participate in community meetings, and are gradually introduced to the rights and responsibilities of living in community. Apprenticeships last from three to five years or more, depending on the work area, individual progress, and the person’s choice. Decisions about the duration and goals of an apprenticeship are typically made in the annual Birthday Meeting. Near the end of an apprenticeship a person is encouraged to leave Triform for a period of time with the option to rejoin the community later. For example, an exchange with another Camphill place either in the U.S. or abroad may be arranged.
Guideline criteria for acceptance into an apprenticeship:
- completion of the education program, or age 25 or more;
- readiness to take on greater responsibility for self and others;
- interest in enhancing particular work and life skills.
The primary goals of the apprenticeship are to:
- become as skilled as possible, according to ability and potential, in one’s chosen work area;
- experience options and make choices, learn to take initiative, exercise responsibility toward community life;
- develop pride in and devotion to work;
- develop good work habits: punctuality, order and organization of the workplace, cleanliness and good hygiene, following of instructions, respect for others, respect for tools, respect for the work, completion of tasks;
- gain independence, self-reliance and self-confidence;
- experience work or work training in the wider community, through visits, day placements, or community service.
Apprentices in Triform typically work a five day week with two half days for special courses, artistic activities or specialized instruction. They may request courses and activities that are tailored to their individual interests and needs.
Work Placement for Apprentices
 Bill Apprentice Bill definitely loves the farm and milking. “I helped start the farm meat market and had a job at the Food Mart.” |
Work or work training experience in the wider community in competitive employment and community volunteer situations is arranged for every apprentice, usually near the end of the apprenticeship. This may be paid or volunteer, part or full time, of variable duration, as appropriate to the individual. Triform’s vocational development officer, or job coach, develops relationships with employers, and provides guidance, coaching and support as needed. Outside work placements complement the apprentice training in Triform, and help build competence, maturity and self-esteem, as well as independence.
Recent job placements include:
- cleaning at TSL, a community arts center for theater, movies, and gallery exhibitions;
- working at a local restaurant;
- selling Triform meat at a local farmers’ market;
- working in local grocery store;
- assisting on a llama farm;
- volunteering for Meals on Wheels delivery; and
- assisting in the Salvation Army soup kitchen.
