become an APPRENTICE

The Apprenticeship
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 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 timber framing but also a clear, concise methodology of problem-solving and development of your aesthetic sense. This is our definition of craftsmanship.

Schedule

For the 2025 season we will offer three apprenticeship periods (approximate dates are listed):

Session 1: March 15 - June 28, 2025. Tuition $4500.

Session 2: June 29 - October 12, 2025. Tuition $4500.

Full Season: March 15 - October 12, 2025. Tuition $8000.

The Apprentice Experience
Timber framing apprentices will participate in all Heartwood courses for which they are registered during their residency, and in most cases will serve as a teaching assistant for at least one class while they are here. Apprentices receive a place to live at Heartwood in exchange for helping to run our schoolhouse and programs. Duties will include helping prepare materials for the courses, supporting instructors, maintaining the Heartwood shop and Schoolhouse, cleaning between classes, and sharpening tools. Apprentices attend Heartwood courses that they are registered for, but are expected to continue with maintenance duties throughout the week. When there are no classes in session, they may work independently on tasks around campus, finishing frames, and working on personal projects. It is recommended (but not required) that apprentices bring a vehicle as the Heartwood School is not accessible via public transportation, and they are responsible for taking recycling to the local transfer station and helping staff pick up lunches throughout the week (the use of personal vehicles is reimbursed by the school for these trips). Apprentices may divide duties among themselves in order to plan time off on the weekends or during courses they are not taking. Lunch is included during courses that apprentices are registered for, and apprentices are responsible for purchasing and preparing their other meals and for all other living and travel expenses. Apprentice housing is just down the hill from the shop and includes a washer and dryer, as well as wifi and a kitchen that has kitchenware for apprentice use. Apprentices are welcome to use Heartwood’s extensive library while on campus.