We will accept pre-apprentices on a rolling admission basis. Submit an application below.

Introduction: 

The Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE) is looking for individuals to be pre-apprentices in the Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Program. In April of 2023, CDE registered a Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship was registered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in December of 2023. 

Purpose of the Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship:

  • To provide students an opportunity to gain foundational knowledge, information, and skills about the dairy industry. 
  • To prepare individuals to enter and succeed in the Registered Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship.
  • To allow students to explore and learn about exciting careers in the dairy and agriculture industry.

Expectations of the Pre-Apprentice:

  • The pre-apprentice should be a high school student in grade 11 or grade 12.
  • Participate in an informational session with the Center for Dairy Excellence Workforce Development Manager.
  • Complete the OSHA 10 General Industry Agriculture online safety course successfully.
  • Complete the Introduction to Dairy and the Dairy Herd Management online courses in the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow curriculum with at least 80% mastery. 
  • Spend at least four hours each on two different Pennsylvania dairy farms with the dairy producer and/or dairy herd manager, touring the farm, learning about key areas, and meeting with industry professionals. Please note that if the pre-apprentice is employed on a dairy farm, then proof of at least eight hours worked can be used for this experience instead.
  • Participate in career development activities with their local CareerLink. 
  • NOTE: Farm Experience is not required. 

Feel free to contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316 with additional questions.

Pre-Apprentice Application for the Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Pre-Apprentice Education and Farm Experience

  • Please include first and last name, their farm/or business they are associated with, and their email and cell number.
  • Signature & Confirmation

    If selected, the pre-apprentice agrees to fulfill all the program requirements of the Dairy Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship. If the program requirements are not met, The Center for Dairy Excellence reserves the right to dissolve the experience with advance notice to pre-apprentice.