Phytofarm  has been developed over the last ten years by herbalist and naturopath Valmai Becker as a repository of plants and learning centre. The gardens, manufacturing and drying sheds have been purpose built to provide a practical learning experience in herbal medicine. The four seasons are celebrated with the students from discovering culinary herbal delights of the spring garden, to exploring the abundance of the summer garden and blending quality products from the drying room during the autumn and winter seasons.

Hands-on learning

The apprenticeship is open to anyone who has an interest and passion for learning about medicinal plants. This is a practical learning experience and will include out door activities in the garden and time managing plant material in the drying room. There will be 168 hours of instruction, 24 days, with 6 days for each season and 80 hours of home study, 20 hours to be completed at the end of each season. On successful completion of the apprenticeship the participants will be awarded a Phytofarm Certificate in Herbal Apprenticeship.

Tutor

Valmai Becker has had many years of experience in graduating students into the healing profession, gardening projects, and has been successful in the management of four businesses that reflect her enthusiasm and love all things natural.
So if making your own medicine garden, producing a range of medicinal products and creating a small business is something you have a desired to do please contact Valmai on valmai@phytofarm.co.nz to enrol.

Apprenticeship Dates 2021/2022

• 2021 Spring: November 12, 13, 14 & 15
• 2022 Summer: January 28, 29, 30 & 31
• 2022 Autumn: March 18, 19, 20 & 21
• 2022 Winter: 
June 3, 4, 5 & 6

Applications should be completed by 2 August 2021 with a $500 non refundable deposit.
All applications advised in writing by 16 August 2021.
Apprenticeship Fees due by 1 October 2021.
Fees paid in advance for the full year $4,000 less deposit $3,500.

Apprenticeship  

Attendance: 4 Weekends, each season – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Hour: 10am – 4pm
Total Attendance Hours: 96

Home Work: 10, Hours each season: 40
Total Hours: 136

Feedback from students

”With an interest in herbs and herbal medicine a year on your Apprenticeship Programme turned that into a passion and possibly even taking me in a new direction in life!“  HELEN DODSON

”Loved the hands-on learning in a small group.“  KIMBERLEY EDDY

”Enjoyed realizing the amazing value of the plants we have around us.“  MARTINA MURRAY

Download the information PDF here:
Apprenticeship 2021-22 prospectus

Download the application form here:

Apprenticeship 2021-22 application