become an
APPRENTICE

FOR CAREER-MINDED APPLICANTS

SHARE IN THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING, WORKING, AND STUDYING AT THE HEARTWOOD SCHOOL

** Applications for 2024 are now closed. Please check back next season! **

Our The Heartwood School has a long tradition of summer work/study apprenticeships. Each year, since its inception in 1978, special individuals have been invited to share in the experience of living, working, and studying at the school. More than half of our apprentices have gone on to interesting and rewarding careers in homebuilding, timber framing, and other areas of construction.

We seek people who will not only commit to residency and courses here at Heartwood but who are also going to actively seek employment in timber framing upon completion of the program or in the near future. We are looking for people who will put the skills learned here to the best use. While a good carpentry background is helpful, it must be accompanied by enthusiasm to learn, to teach others, and work as part of a team. This program offers not only a comprehensive knowledge of house building and timber framing but also a clear, concise methodology of problem-solving and development of your aesthetic sense. This is our definition of craftsmanship.

Timber framing apprentices will participate in all Heartwood courses for which they are registered during their residency. Duties will include helping prepare materials for the courses and maintaining the Heartwood shop and Schoolhouse. Apprentices will attend Heartwood courses in the program as a regular student, with most weekends free to do as they wish (outside of any maintenance duties). Apprentices receive a 50% discount on tuition and a place to live at Heartwood for the duration of their stay. Lunches are included during their courses. Apprentices are responsible for purchasing and preparing their other meals and for other living and travel expenses. Heartwood's kitchen facilities are available for apprentice use.

This year we will host two sessions of apprentices. The first session will run from March 11th through July 12th, 2024, and the second session will run from July 8th through October 4th.