Registered Apprentices and prospective Apprentices gathered near the Temple of Music at Roger Williams Park for a morning of light snacks and coffee to learn about upcoming programming at Growing Futures. Christie Milligan presented on all topics relating to Registered Apprenticeship, from how to register to the types of workshops hosted by RINLA, as well as announced the new CCRI Associate’s Degree in Environment, Sustainability and Management launched with support from the RI Food Policy Council. Jordan Miller notified everyone of the relaunching of the RICH program that will now be under Growing Futures, and is set to open for registration and courses later this year. Mason Billings spoke on the many resources available to workers in the industry and encouraged anyone in need to reach out to him directly.
Apprentices, friends, coworkers, and even employers were encouraged to share on topics they would like to see in educational workshops, generating a motley list to include soil science, permaculture, climate change, meadows, pruning, food waste, wholesale growing, machinery maintenance, mental health and wellness, body ergonomics, container gardening, and orchard farming, to name a few.
