How Do I Get Started?

Schedule an Appointment

Contact our apprenticeship department at apprenticeship@northeast.edu or call (402) 844-7121 to learn more.

Northeast’s Chemical Applicator Apprenticeship program prepares students for a career in chemical application through an Earn as you Learn model.

What You'll Earn As An Apprentice

  • A Rewarding New Career
    • Paid Employment
    • On-the-Job Training
    • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Licenses and Certifications
    • National Apprenticeship Credential
    • Commercial Applicator License
    • Commercial Driver's License

What You'll Learn As An Apprentice

  • Prepare dry ingredients for application
  • Apply dry fertilizer to fields
  • Prepare chemicals for application
  • Treat ground with chemicals
  • Operate sprayer equipment and fertilizer spreaders
  • Clean and maintain equipment

Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses

Sprayer in field. In the apprenticeship program students gain paid, on-the-job training experience working alongside experienced professionals. In addition to hands-on learning opportunities at a jobsite, students grow their knowledge in the classroom. Classroom instruction in the chemical applicator apprenticeship includes:

  • AGRI 5175 Maintenance
  • AGRI 5180 Product Costs & Liability Concerns
  • AGRI 5185 Spraying Process & Equipment Operation
  • AGRI 5190 Fall Fertilizer & VRT Application
  • AGRI 1280 Crop Chemicals
  • AGRI 5195 Liquid Rowcrop Application
  • AGRI 5200 Weed Science & Pesticide Mode of Actions
  • TRDR 5140 Basic CDL Training

Program Details

256.5 hours of classroom instruction and approximately 1.5 years of on-the-job learning.

There is some online coursework and some in-person coursework on the Norfolk campus. On-the-job training is offered at an employer site.

Contact our apprenticeship department at apprenticeship@northeast.edu or call (402) 844-7121 to learn more about getting started.

Learn more about current job opportunities.

Upon completion apprentices are awarded a National Apprenticeship Credential, a Commercial Applicator License, and a Commercial Driver's License.

Apprenticeship USA logo

Most of the courses are offered online during the first 8 weeks of the fall and spring semesters with 4-5 days in-person on the Norfolk campus during both the fall and spring semesters.

Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving

$16.00 - $18.00 per hour (plus bonuses)

Career Outcomes