Kansas Apprentice Program

by Jan M. Klaus, Earth Team Coordinator
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Hays, Kansas

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas has a program that offers a unique chance for high school and college students to experience what it is like to have a career working in natural resources conservation. Through the Kansas Apprentice Program (KAP) students can work as an apprentice in their local NRCS field office. Opportunities may be available in other NRCS offices throughout the state.

The apprentice program is a way for students to learn firsthand what employees of NRCS do for agriculture and the environment. All students will be considered for the KAP whether they have an urban or agricultural background.

The KAP also offers students an opportunity to start a career in natural resources. An apprentice position allows a student to participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including engineering surveying, staking conservation practices like terraces and ponds, water quality activities, environmental education, and natural resources camps.

Apprentices gain experience and knowledge that will help them make career choices. Whether or not they go to a college or technical school, their work experience will be good for job applications or resumes. Also, many scholastic scholarships require applicants to have completed some form of community service, and an apprenticeship could fulfill those requirements.

Applicants must be at least 14 years of age. Hours are flexible to fit the student's schedule.

Prospective apprentices are invited to stop by their local U.S. Department of Agriculture's Service Center and talk to the NRCS staff about the program. Information regarding the KAP and Earth Team volunteers is available on the Kansas NRCS's Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov--go to Quick Access and click on Earth Team Volunteers or type in www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/about. Jan Klaus, KAP State Coordinator, can be reached by calling 785-625-2588.

This article is also available in Microsoft Word format.

Kansas Apprentice Program (DOC; 47 KB)

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Last Modified: 08/05/2008