The Dania Beach PATCH Farm and Market Launches Apprenticeship Training Program

Dania Beach, FL – The PATCH Apprenticeship Training Program (PATP), a forty-hour program, is a collaborative effort championed by the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Broward Regional Health Council, SURG Consulting, LLC and PATCH CAN.  The program will kick-start on Saturday July 15^th, 2017 offering opportunities for six qualified participants to receive a paid apprenticeship. The application deadline is June 30^th by 5PM and interested persons should email Jaime Castoro at JCastoro@BRHPC.org outlining why you are interested in the apprenticeship, what experience, if any, you have in farming and what qualities you think you will bring to the team.

“This is a great opportunity for the right individual to have an immersive experience in the operation of an organic farm and market. Our promise to you is thorough training of all farm tasks, a safe and welcoming environment, opportunities to learn from other farmers with different systems, and opportunities to assist at the farmer’s markets and with PATCH sponsored community activities,” states Rachel Bach, Dania Beach CRA Executive Director.

Class days are every Saturday and Sunday beginning on Saturday, July 15^th through Sunday, August 6^th from 7:30AM – 1:30PM. This program has been specifically designed for the PATCH Farm and Market with hopes to train individuals for Dania Beach and other cities looking to launch similar projects.  This first of its kind in Broward County Apprenticeship Program will provide participants the opportunity to discover how food production connects communities and builds health and wellness; how to select, grow and harvest crops; about market operations and how to maximize harvests; and how to supply fresh local produce to your community. Through this Apprenticeship, participants will develop the job skills that could lead to employment at local farmer’s markets and urban farms or nurseries.

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3^rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events.   For more information call 954-924-6801.