Upcoming DOL-Registered Apprenticeship Program at Grow With Gordon

Permaculture & Ecological Landscaping Apprenticeship — Pending Federal Approval

Grow With Gordon is excited to announce that we are in the final stages of establishing a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program in Permaculture & Ecological Landscaping. This new program will offer a federally recognized career pathway for individuals seeking meaningful work rooted in sustainability, regenerative land care, and edible landscaping.

While the program is still pending DOL approval, we expect to receive final confirmation soon. Once the program is officially approved, we will open our first application window January 1–31, 2026, with a projected start date of February 15, 2026.

Why This Apprenticeship Matters

The green industry is changing. Homeowners, schools, and organizations are increasingly seeking landscapes that produce food, regenerate soil, support pollinators, and reduce waste. Traditional landscaping doesn’t provide the skill set needed for this shift — but ecological landscaping does.

Our apprenticeship will bridge that gap by developing a workforce trained in:

• Permaculture principles

• Edible landscape design

• Soil health & regenerative practices

• Orchard installation and pruning

• Native plant ecology

• Sustainable garden maintenance

• Composting, mulching, and seasonal land care

This is more than a job. It’s a professional trade with a clear path for advancement.

What Applicants Can Expect

Once approved, the apprenticeship will include:

Earn-While-You-Learn Training

Apprentices receive structured classroom instruction and field experience while being paid for their work.

Competency-Based Advancement

Progression isn’t based on time served. It’s based on achieving real, demonstrable skills.

Federal Recognition

Graduates earn a nationally recognized credential in ecological landscaping — portable across states and industries.

Career Pathway

The program will include a staged progression, including:

• Greenhorn (Entry-Level)

• Apprentice

• Journeyman Ecological Landscaper

with clearly defined wages, responsibilities, and skill tiers.

Timeline (Projected)

• Now: Pre-announcement (program pending approval)

• January 1–31, 2026: Application window for entry-level applicants

• February 15, 2026: Program start date

• Experienced/Journeyman-Level Applicants: May express interest at any time

If you are an experienced landscaper, arborist, horticulturist, or ecological practitioner and want to be considered for advanced placement once the program opens, we encourage you to reach out early.

 Interested in Being Notified When Applications Open?

If you would like to be added to the early-interest list, simply contact us:

📧 Jim@GrowWithGordon.com🌐 www.GrowWithGordon.com📍 Based in Kokomo, Indiana and serving surrounding communities

We will notify you the moment the registration is finalized and the application window officially opens.

Growing Ecological Leaders for Indiana’s Future

This apprenticeship is an exciting milestone for Grow With Gordon — and for our community. As we expand our work across Kokomo and Central Indiana, we are committed to cultivating the next generation of ecological land stewards.

Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for supporting local ecological craftsmanship.