RINLA and member companies have launched the first in the nation multi-employer Registered Apprenticeship program for agriculture and plant-based industry to facilitate win-win connections between employers seeking motivated workers and people seeking consequential, engaging livelihoods and careers.
What is Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship is a proven approach for preparing people for jobs while meeting businesses’ need for a skilled workforce. Apprenticeship is an employer-driven, earn-while-you-learn model that combines on-the-job training with job-related instruction, both tied to the attainment of defined skills standards. The model also involves progressive increases in an apprentice’s wages as skills increase.
Mentored on the Job Learning
One key component of Registered Apprenticeship is mentorship. Mentors pass down their knowledge and experience through on-the-job guidance, structured evaluations, and hands-on learning opportunities to their registered apprentices. Their contributions are at the core of the Registered Apprenticeship education process.
Apprenticeship vs. Internship
The terms “apprenticeship” and “internship” are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different. An internship may be paid or unpaid, and the scope and content are highly variable, depending on the participants and organizations involved. An internship is also usually a time-bound experience (a summer or semester of employment, for example). Another important difference to note is that internships tend to be exploratory in nature, while in a Registered Apprenticeship program participants are career-focused, full-time employees.
Recognized Secondary Education Credential
Registered Apprenticeship is a recognized secondary education credential, registered at both the state and national levels in order to ensure that industry standards are met. While new to the landscape and horticulture industries, Registered Apprenticeship has deep roots in the building trades (carpenters, electricians, plumbers).
In a Registered Apprenticeship, the program standards and curricula are developed by employers and industry leaders to meet industry needs. These standards guide the training process between the employer / mentor and the apprentice, with clearly outlined competencies that must be achieved over the course of the apprenticeship program.
Registered Apprenticeship is geared toward long term employer / employee relationships; when the apprenticeship program has been successfully completed, the apprentice still has a job, and the employer can continue to count on that up-skilled apprentice. In fact, nationally, 91% of apprentices retain their employment after their apprenticeship program is completed.
Registered Apprenticeship is a programmatic, structured way for employers to invest in training and retain the next generation of natural resource-based industry professionals.
How Apprenticeship Benefits Employees
- Paid on-the-job training, working with highly skilled industry professionals and mentors
- Free job-related education
- Wage increases that reflect the skills learned, with opportunities to predictably progress in your career
- Investment by your employer in your training and skill development
- Structured and measurable on-the-job learning competencies leading to demonstrated milestones
- Valuable hands-on training
- National certificate of Apprenticeship Completion issued by the state of Rhode Island
- Turns your job into a career!
Participating Companies
Aquidneck Landworks – Middletown, RI 02842
C. Johnson Landscape / GreenerEase – Cranston, RI 02921
Central Nurseries – Johnston, RI 02919
Clark Farms – Matunuck & Wakefield, RI 02879
DaPonte’s Landscaping Services – Bristol, RI 02809
Earth Care Farm / Golden Root Gardening – Charlestown, RI 02813
Evergreen Tree and Landscape Service – Seekonk, MA 02771
Fleurs – Wyoming, RI 02898
Garden Endeavors – Swansea, MA 02777
Grandscapes – Wakefield, RI 02879
Landscape Creations of Rhode Island – Saunderstown, RI 02874
Largess Forestry – North Kingstown, RI 02852
Magma Design Group – Rehoboth, MA 02769
Peckham’s Greenhouse – Little Compton, RI 02837
Premier Landscape – Portsmouth, RI 02871
R.P. Marzilli Company – Medway, MA 02053
Robert A. Matthews Landscape Design – Providence, RI 02906
SavATree (formerly Kaiser Tree Preservation Co.) – North Kingstown, RI 02852
SeaScape Lawn Care – Coventry, RI 02816
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. – Seekonk, MA & North Kingstown, RI 02852
Wild & Scenic – Wakefield, RI 02879