Apprenticeships
The Next Generation of Ranching Leaders
There are currently very few pathways into large-scale ranching unless you come from a ranching family. Without a background in ranching, young people with an interest in land management but no prior experience have a hard time finding jobs or learning opportunities, even as entry-level ranch employees. In 2000, Ranchlands launched its apprenticeship program, which has trained hundreds of interns and over 20 apprentices in agricultural management. Our program provide apprentices the opportunity to learn and train with Ranchlands and other values-aligned ranchers.
Current Apprentices
Meet an Apprentice
Mike Giordano
Mike started with Ranchlands as an apprentice on the MP Ranch in central New Mexico. He graduated from the program and now runs the Frying Pan Ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas, with his partner Claudia.
Become an Apprentice
Our apprenticeships are intended for those who aspire become leaders in ranch management. Applicants should possess experience working with their hands outdoors and demonstrate a strong interest in working with the land and animals. Apprentices learn by having significant areas of responsibility and by being intimately involved in day-to-day operations. Upon successful completion of the two-to-six year program, apprenticeship graduates are eligible for full-time placement at a Ranchlands-managed ranch or on other ranches.
This arrangement provides career advancement opportunities to alumni while also ensuring that Ranchlands has a strong corps of experienced ranch professionals who are intimately familiar with the Ranchlands program.
