Board and Batten Cabins	Earth Plastering	Building 80% Salvaged Apprentice Cabin
Earthen Dome w/ earth bag, ligtht clay straw and cedar slab wood techniques	Light Clay Straw Walls for Grow Room	Building the Tiny House Village

Update 4/18/24: Full for the early spring but have spots starting in late spring/summer (start June or July) for 1 or 2 serious Natural Building apprentices to do a Straw Bale Build/Earthen Plastering on the Earthship Inspired off-the-grid House. Please apply below.

Natural Building Apprenticeship

Living Roots Organic Farm School is offering a building apprenticeship program with four sessions from spring to winter, or an option to sign up for the entire season. or multiple sessions (sometimes we have opening for shorter periods of time or for flexible start dates - please inquire).

Although the Farm School has 4 seasonal sessions and the full season session, we sometimes accepts interns for shorter time periods and during the winter as well. Please email if you would like to check on availability. However, this program is only for those committed to their education as a serious natural builder- be it just for a few weeks or the entire season.

Housing on the Farm is in an Off-the-Grid Cabin with other apprentices, or in the Farmhouse. There is also the option to camp. No pets allowed.

Apprentices are also given produce from the gardens and other bulk staples. The food supplied is predominately vegetarian; however, meat could be supplied from time to time from Farm-raised animals as its available.

The Farm is within walking distance of Tucker Lake (Springs Valley State Recreation Area) and the Hoosier National Forest (lots of trails), and biking distance from Patoka Lake, French Lick, and Paoli.

The Program Includes Areas such as:

• Working on new off-the-grid energy systems, such as wind, solar, rocket stoves, cook stoves, outdoor kitchens, water catchment, grey water systems, etc.
• Building methods, incorporating cob, straw bale, earth bag, slipstraw, etc.... and other basic foundational building skills
• Misc. projects around the land...

Please download the application (please make sure to download application to your comuputer, fill out, then save) and email completed application, along with a current photo of yourself, to Michael Hicks, at michael (at) indianacommunity.org. A prospective student may apply for one or multiple sessions. Contact us if there are any questions.

The program does not cost for the apprentices; however, the most qualified will be chosen for the positions. All apprentices will receive a certificate upon completion of the natural building program.