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“The Apprentice Program at WoodsEdge has taken
two people who knew nothing about farming or alpaca/llama
care and guided us through all aspects of the
business and lifestyle. We now have the knowledge
and self-confidence to know what to do, assured
that we’ll always have their support. It has been
a wonderful experience that we strongly recommend
to any new owner or growing breeder.”
– Pat & Elaine DiGirolano Falls Edge Farm,
Pennsylvania
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An apprentice is defined as one who learns by practical experience
under skilled master workers in a trade or occupation. WoodsEdge
Wools Farm’s Apprentice to Success™ Program is one of the
most comprehensive professional development programs available.
It offers you a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity designed
to help insure your success in this rapidly growing industry.
This no-fee program is available to both prospective owners
as well as breeders needing more experience in specific areas
of herd management, farm operations, or business practices.
At the heart of our Apprentice Program is the continual hands-on
experience in multiple aspects of alpaca and llama farming.
Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you will have the
knowledge, skills and confidence to begin your own operation
or take your current business to the next level. If you wish
to continue your education, you can enroll in our aster Apprentice
Program, where you will also earn work credit to put towards
the purchase price of an animal from WoodsEdge Wools Farm.
Experiential learning programs have been in place at WoodsEdge
for many years. From 1984 to 1994, we partnered with the University
of Minnesota in hosting agricultural students from around
the world who were apprentices in our farming operation for
periods of time ranging from 3 to 12 months. Prior to that,
we hosted apprentices who were earning both graduate and undergraduate
college credits in textile art and design through two New
Jersey state colleges. WoodsEdge assisted the colleges in
developing the syllabi for the apprentice topic areas, and
we still implement a similar practice with our Alpaca &
Llama Apprentice Program.
Whether you are seeking a solid foundation in alpaca and/or
llama farming or are just sharpening your skills, you’ll find
what you need in the WoodsEdge Wools Farm Apprentice to Success™
Program. The program comprehensively covers these five essential
areas of successful alpaca and llama farming:
• Herd Management
• Farm Operations
• Fiber Production and Management
• Generating Income from Your Fleece
• Farm Events.
If you do not need all five, you can select the specific
areas you need and enroll only in those sessions. In each
session, you work in a hands-on environment alongside three
highly- experienced professionals. You may enroll in one area
and earn a Certificate of Completion after the 100-hour program
and earn a Professional Certificate in Alpaca and/or Llama
Farming from WoodsEdge Wools Farm.
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Pat and Elaine first met Linda Walker at the New Breeders
Cocktail Hour at the 2007 Spring Fling Alpaca Sale.
Today they are graduating from the Apprentice to Success™
program.
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You will then have the option to either enroll in another
basic skills apprenticeship or continue on to the aster Apprentice
Program in any of the topic areas. As a Master Apprentice,
you will be credited for work hours that can be put towards
the purchase price of a WoodsEdge Wools Farm animal. At the
completion of the entire aster Apprentice Program, you will
receive a Graduate Apprentice Certification.
If you are serious about wanting to be successful in the
alpaca & llama business, our expertise as full-time, life-long
breeders with a vast background in textile design and processing
will be invaluable to you. It’s your opportunity for an inside
view at the proven formula for WoodsEdge’s live-stock and
farm management that has been used effectively over the years
by hundreds of our clients. Whether you are starting your
own farm or wish to be considered for a manager’s position
at another farm, this program will add to your credibility.
One of the additional benefits of this program has been the
close bond formed between the apprentices and the mentors
who work with them here at the farm. The bonds you can establish
during this program will provide a resource of knowledge for
you to continually reference as you build your business. In
the past, we have formed not only long-term business relationships,
but lifelong friendships with many of our apprentices. We
look forward to doing the same with you.
To learn more about the WoodsEdge
Apprentice to Success™ Program, please contact us for an interview
at (609) 397-2212 or wwfalpaca@aol.com
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Linda Berry Walker, a full-time, life-long breeder
and fiber expert is President of WoodsEdge Wools Farm.
Her working knowledge of livestock markets, breeding
for superior quality fleeces, farm diversification strategies,
and management of a vertically integrated fiber farm
makes her a mentor with invaluable experience and expertise.
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Brent Walker, a third generation New Jersey
farmer, is the Director of Operations at WoodsEdge Wools
Farm. Raised on the farm, Brent is a wealth of knowledge
and enjoys sharing his management techniques with clients.
He specializes in getting new breeders started on the
right track and is well known for his "Getting
Started Without a Farm" seminar. Whether he's building
barns, fixing fences, worming the herd, or birthing
crias, Brent's accomplished skills keep this large farm
running smoothly.
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When planning farm events for WoodsEdge and Star Events,
Amy Serridge brings trained expertise and a fresh
approach to the table. As a Certified Special Events
Professional with university certificates in Event Management,
Amy's knowledge, experience, and unique perspective
help her clients blend creative design with flawless
execution of events large and small. She is an active
member of the International Special Events Society,
a speaker at event industry conferences, and a valued
asset in the WoodsEdge Apprentice Program.
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