Education Programs

Welcome to the Education section of the Fresh Harvest 365 website. Here, you can explore our innovative training programs designed to empower individuals with skills in sustainable agriculture and hydroponic farming. Choose from the tabs below to learn more about each program.

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Hydroponic Farmer Technician Apprenticeship Program Overview

The Hydroponic Farmer Technician Apprenticeship Program is a USDOL-approved apprenticeship (O*NET-SOC Code: 11-9013.00; RAPIDS Code: 3013HY) designed to train participants as Hydroponic Technicians/Farmers, equivalent to Organic Vegetable Farm Managers.

2100-hour hybrid (online/on-site) program combines classroom instruction (40%), lab work (10%), and in-field training (50%) to equip students with essential skills in hydroponic farming systems, including growth, production, and maintenance.

Participants will learn how to grow, produce, and maintain hydroponic farming systems, preparing them for careers in this fast-growing field. The program emphasizes hyper-local, year-round produce production and includes anti-harassment training in accordance with CFR 20, Part 30. It integrates foundational skills in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and custodial/building maintenance (sourced from Interplay learning resources) to support efficient farm operations.

Course Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6 hours per day. Total RTI Hours: 201 (Suggested Related Instruction).

Admission Requirements

Reading Level

Minimum 8th-grade reading level (measured by the Test of Adult Basic Education).

Math Level

Minimum 8th-grade math level (measured by the Test of Adult Basic Education).

Drug Test

Negative drug test (optional). Preferences are given to qualifying applicants; waiting lists are maintained on a first-come, first served basis.

Graduation Requirements

Complete the program with basic proficiencies, including OSHA 10 Certification. Achieve the total recommended contact hours (201).
Maintain satisfactory attendance (no more than 3 absences per 8 weeks).
Successfully pass a drug screen (optional).
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of C (2.0/4.0 scale).

Study Equivalency/Waivers: Granted for related classes from other schools or relevant work experience. Minimum Residency: Students must attend classes with limited absences as noted above

Costs of Program Attendance (Per Student)

Category	Cost
Agency Fee (Enrollment, Case Management, Employment Assistance)	$1,500
Tuition and Instruction (Instructor Salaries, Curriculum, Admin Costs)	$5,500
Course Supplies (Oculus, Chromebook, Hydroponic Equipment, etc.)	$1,290
Total	$8,290

Student Evaluation and Grading

The program uses a traditional 4.0 GPA scale:

A (90-100%)
B (80-89%)
C (70-79%)
D (60-69%)
F (0-59%)

Minimum passing grade per course: C (2.0).

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate. Evaluations occur during and at program completion.

Curriculum Courses (Grouped by Category)

The 201-hour curriculum covers hydroponic farming essentials, integrated with technical skills in maintenance and safety. Courses are delivered via hybrid methods.

Electrical (Total ~29 Hours)

Trade Math (2)
Fundamental Electrical Concepts (3)
Electrical Panels: Components and Safety (2)
Electrical Safety (3)
Power Distribution Delta and Wye Systems (2)
Electrical Tools (1)
AC Power (2)
Electrical Devices (2)
Grounding and Bonding (2)
Diagnosing Circuits: Simple Lighting and Receptacles (2)
Diagnosing Circuits: 3-Way Lighting (3)
Commercial Wiring (3)
Fire Alarm System Installation (2)
Electrically Safe to Work Procedures (2)

Food Safety and Hydroponics Fundamentals (Total ~42 Hours)

Food Safety Essentials

Food Safety Guide (0.5), GAP Certification (0.5), FSMA (0.5), Hazards Considerations (0.5), Check Your Understanding (multiple, ~3.5 total)

Fresh Harvest 365 Introduction

Course Breakdown (1), Introduction to Fresh Harvest 365 (0.5), Lettuce Help You (0.5), Overview/Lights/Water/Nutrients/CO2/Environmental Conditions (0.5 each, ~3 total)

Horticulture and Operations

Introduction to Horticulture (20), Crop Rotations (3), Farm Anatomy/Nursery Station/Cultivation Area/Exterior Back (0.5 each, ~2 total)

Farm Management

Farmhand 101/Pages/Additional Resources (0.5 each, ~1.5 total), Launch Guide/Phases 0-4 (0.5 each, ~3 total)

Technical Operations

Calibration Overview/Climate Sensor/Nursery & Cultivation/Tank Depth (0.5 each, ~2 total), Grow Cycle Overview/Seeding & Germination/Transplanting & Mature Growth/Harvest & Packing (0.5 each, ~2 total)

Maintenance and Pest Control

Farm Maintenance Schedule/Supplies & Consumables/Recommended Solutions & Ratios/Cleaning Saturation Strips (0.5 each, ~2 total), Pest & Diseases Controls/Common Diseases/Common Pests/Managing Algae Growth (0.5 each, ~2 total)