Agroecology Operations Technician (AOT)
A Practical Apprenticeship Framework for Diversified Agriculture
The Agroecology Operations Technician (AOT) is a proposed apprenticeship occupation designed to prepare versatile, cross-trained workers for the evolving needs of agriculture, agri-food processing, and the bioeconomy.
Developed through a national coalition of agricultural, workforce, and educational partners, AOT connects the skills required to Grow through agroecology, Make through circular manufacturing, and Sell agricultural products with a sense of place.
The occupational framework is designed to accommodate diverse crops, production systems, and regional agricultural conditions while providing a common foundation for structured, work-based learning.
An onramp into the Destination Agriculture pathways— a national agricultural workforce and apprenticeship initiative.
PENDING
We did it! The AOT apprenticeship program has received the requested number of support letters for submission to the US Department of Labor. This apprenticeship is now under consideration on the national level. Thank you fellow Coalition supporters. More information coming soon. - Bryan
Organizations Supporting AOT
Agricultural, industry, education, conservation, and workforce organizations are helping demonstrate the need for a cross-trained agricultural occupation.
Endorsement reflects support for advancing the AOT occupational framework and strengthening agricultural workforce pathways; it does not necessarily indicate a commitment to operate an apprenticeship program.
What is AOT?
The Agroecology Operations Technician (AOT) is one of 10 apprenticeship pathways within Destination Agriculture, designed to prepare workers for cross-trained roles across agricultural production, processing, product quality, stewardship, and market-facing operations.
The program combines 2,000 hours of structured on-the-job learning with 144 hours of related instruction, creating a practical apprenticeship that can be completed within one full growing season and calendar year.
Designed for those that Grow, Make and Sell products with a sense of place.
AOT connects the full agricultural value chain so apprentices understand not only how food and agricultural products are grown, but how they are processed, positioned, and brought to market.
Current Status - PENDING DOL REVIEW
AOT is a proposed occupation currently undergoing industry validation for apprenticeability determination by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Formal industry and stakeholder endorsements are now being collected to demonstrate support for recognition of AOT as an apprenticeable occupation.
Formal endorsement is the primary way to support AOT at this stage.
Why AOT?
For Employers
Develop versatile employees who can work across production, processing, stewardship, quality, and customer-facing operations while reducing dependence on narrowly trained or temporary labor.
For Education & Workforce Partners
Provide a common industry framework that connects classroom learning, work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and registered apprenticeship.
For Workers
Create a paid, structured pathway into agriculture that builds transferable skills, mentorship, and experience across multiple parts of the agricultural value chain.
For Farms, Food Systems & Communities
Build the workforce capacity needed to strengthen soil health, agricultural businesses, regional food production, and the long-term resilience of rural communities.
AOT is designed around the reality of diversified agriculture: the most valuable entry-level employees increasingly need to understand how production, processing, stewardship, and markets connect.
Coalition Resources
Review the proposed AOT occupational framework, supporting materials, and documents being used to demonstrate industry support for recognition of the occupation.
Learn About AOT
A concise introduction to the proposed occupation and employer value proposition.
Review the proposed on-the-job learning structure, competencies, and occupational requirements.
Review the questions being used to document industry support for determining AOT to be an apprenticeable occupation. (Editable Word template)