Regenerative Engineer Apprenticeship

Why This Matters Now

We live in a world of increasing complexity and disconnection from our food sources and natural systems. Hawaii imports 85-90% of its food despite ideal growing conditions. Global supply chains are fragile. The skills to build, repair, grow food, and create regenerative systems are more valuable than ever. The world is changing, let's change with it and work together to build a more resilient, more unified, more sustainble world.

85%

Of Hawaii's food is imported from off-island

50%

Of traditional farming knowledge lost in one generation

Increase in demand for regenerative skills

What is a Regenerative Engineer?

A Regenerative Engineer is a multidisciplinary problem-solver who combines technical knowledge from traditional engineering, ecological wisdom from permaculture, and systems thinking to create solutions that give more than they take. This apprenticeship isn't just about learning skills—it's about rewiring how you think, see, and interact with the world around you.

You'll develop the ability to work with natural systems rather than against them, creating abundance while regenerating the environment. You'll learn core DIY skills, how to think in permaculture and solve problems like an engineer, work with off-grid infrastructure and systems, practice communal living, learn farming and how to care for plants... and much more. You will also be able to choose (if you want) which learning paths and projects you want to spend time working on. Focusing on the things you are most passionate about. There are also field trips, beach days and lots of time and space for play or learning other skills.

Ecological Wisdom

Work with natural systems to create abundance

Technical Mastery

Build, repair, and modify tools, structures, and systems

Systems Thinking

See connections and design holistic, resilient solutions

What You'll Learn

Permaculture Design

Permaculture principles & ethics
Land assessment & reading
Pattern recognition in nature
Design for tropical climates
Creating productive ecosystems

Food Forestry

Tropical tree species selection
Multi-layered forest gardens
Propagation techniques
Integrated pest management
Food forest maintenance

DIY, Repair, Engineering

Tool mastery & maintenance
Diagnosing & fixing failures
Engineering concepts
Build methods & techniques
Appropriate technology

Medicine & Food

Medicinal plant cultivation
Natural fermentation
Processing & preservation
Medicinal preparations
Nutrient-dense farming

Energy Systems

Off-grid power solutions
Water catchment & filtering
Natural building methods
Heat capture & distribution
Passive cooling techniques

Soil & Microbes

Soil biology & structure
Compost & vermicompost
Natural fertility cycles
Cover cropping strategies
Soil remediation techniques

Life on the Farm

Note: Housing may not be on the farm you will be working on and may be nearby. Check with us for details.

Immersive Learning Environment

Based on Hawaii's Big Island, this program puts you in direct contact with the land. Living on a working regenerative farm, you'll be immersed in the systems you're learning to design and manage. We have horses, ducks, a large orchard, open spaces, gardens, workshops, amazing humans, an ocean view and so much more.

Your days will begin with the rhythm of the farm—morning harvests, animal care, and garden tending. You'll learn to observe natural patterns, work with the tropical climate, and develop an intuitive understanding of ecological systems.

You will also be able to customize your learning path as you choose, by picking which projects or passions you want to persue from a wide range of potential options. Are you more interested in solar or power systems? We can focus on that. Do you want to work with animals or plants more? Let's do that. We want to help you find your passions.

Hands-on daily farm experience
10+ hours of direct mentorship weekly
Field trips to regional farms and sites (min. 4 monthly)
Access to workshop spaces and tools
Harvest and prepare farm-fresh food
Options to customize and choose your learning journey

Daily Farm Life

Morning farm rounds & harvest
Garden & orchard maintenance
Hands-on skill building
Project development time
Evening reflection

Weekly Structure

Permaculture design sessions
Technical workshops
Field trips to local farms
Wild plant identification walks
Project review & feedback

Seasonal Activities

Planting with seasonal cycles
Major harvest processing
Fruit tree management
Seed saving collections
Community celebrations

Field Trips & Adventures

Your apprenticeship includes regular field trips to various locations around the Big Island, each offering unique learning opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

Spearfishing & Freediving

Learn traditional fishing methods and connect with the ocean

Volcano Exploration

Visit active lava flows and learn about Hawaii's geology

Secret Beaches

Discover hidden gems and pristine coastal ecosystems

Other Farms

Visit diverse regenerative projects across the island

Ecstatic Dances

Join community gatherings and celebrations

Forest Adventures

Explore ancient forests and learn about native plants

... And More

Available Apprenticeship Projects

Theory without application is just information. In this apprenticeship, you'll immediately apply what you learn through hands-on projects that combine ecological and technical knowledge. You could choose from projects like these or others depending on what you want to learn and length of stay. If you have specific desires for projects, please note them in your application. *Larger projects could be available, but depend on season, length of stay, etc.

Aircrete Construction

(Depending on stay) designing and building a house or other structures using aircrete.

Animal Care

Design and build systems for raising sheep and chickens for eggs, grazing, and fertilizer. This project is funded by a grant from the state of Hawaii.

Agroforestry Systems

This large scale project will be a multi-layered food forest with a focus on tropical abundance and resilience. It's currently in the design phase.

Food Forest Systems

Design, plant and manage multi-layered food forests optimized for tropical abundance.

Biochar Systems

Design and build biochar production units that sequester carbon while improving soil fertility.

Garden Systems

Create intensive food production systems using permaculture principles and natural patterns.

Earth Ovens

Build efficient cooking systems using natural materials for sustainable food preparation.

Smokeless Fire Pits

Create efficient combustion systems that maximize heat while minimizing smoke and pollution.

Plant Medicine

Create preparations from medicinal plants grown on the farm using traditional and modern techniques.

Solar Dehydrator

Learn to preserve food using the sun, build a solar dehydrator system.

Bamboo treatment and Construction

We have a Bamboo processing area. Learn how to make and use bamboo for construction.

Solar and Water Systems

We are planning now for some infrastructure upgrades. Learn rainwater catchement systems and solar/battery systems.

Experience the Farm

Get a glimpse of life at our regenerative farm and the learning experiences that await you. You'll be in community with others who are just as passionate and wonderful. We won't just be working all the time. There will also be lots of fun things happening on the land or in the surrounding area. There's so much to experience here... it truly is paradise, and the land we share on island is s very special, grounded, healing place. We can't wait for you to experience it.

Meet Your Mentor

Steve Peak

All-Purpose Engineer & Permaculture Designer

With decades of experience leading or working in dozens of teams in many countries, projects and fields, Steve merges a love of science, permaculture, engineering, and the arts to solve problems, connect people, and get things done.

From Silicon Valley software engineering to international permaculture teaching, farming and permaculture programs, from music production to fabrication, Steve has built a life around making ideas into reality and having fun along the way.

Permaculture Design Software Engineering Building & Repair Off-Grid Skills Project Management Visual Art Creation Music Production Plant Medicine Botany Life Sciences Systems Design And More...

Learn More About Steve Contact Steve

Program Options

Online Access

$150.00

lifetime access

Complete online curriculum
Project guides & plans
Resource library
Recipes book
Community forum access
In-person mentorship
On-farm experience
Housing & facilities

Get Access

Full Apprenticeship

$1,350.00+

per month + housing

Everything in Online Access
10+ hours weekly mentorship
On-farm living experience
Housing on property
Access to gardens & food
Tool access & workshops
Field trips (4+ monthly)
Project materials

Housing Options*:

Glamping site: +$400/mo
Private Room: +$680/mo
Private Cabin: +$800-1200/mo

*Prices may vary slightly

Apply Now

Custom Programs Available

Looking for a different arrangement? Contact us to discuss custom apprenticeship options.

Contact for Custom Options

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard apprenticeship program is 3 months. However, apprentices who are a good fit for the community may have the option to extend their stay. The minimum commitment is 1 month.

No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty. The program is designed to meet you where you are. That said, some basic familiarity with tools and gardening is helpful. Upon joining the program, you'll be given full access to our Regeneer learning platform as well as materials, guides, videos, etc. We'll guide you the whole way.

The monthly fee of $1,350 covers all instruction, mentorship, field trips, access to tools and workspaces, project materials, and lifetime access to the online platform. Housing is an additional cost based on your choice of accommodation.

Upon acceptance, you'll receive a detailed packing list. Essentials include work clothes, rain gear, sturdy footwear, personal tools if you have them, and a spirit of adventure. Basic tools and safety equipment are provided.

Apprentices have full access to farm-grown produce, fruits, and eggs. Community meals happen once per week and are provided to students for free. For other meals, apprentices prepare their own food in a shared (or private, depending on accomodation) kitchen. Things like oil, salt, pepper, and general appliances/utensils are fully provided.

You'll work with tropical food forests, medicinal plants, annual vegetables, composting systems, natural building materials, water catchment, solar systems, animals (ducks, chickens, horses, and maybe sheep). Our farm features a diverse array of tropical fruit trees, Hawaiian medicinal plants, and integrated animal systems.

Application Process

Ready to transform how you interact with the world? The application process is designed to ensure a good fit between apprentices and our learning community.

Submit Application

Complete our online application form with your background, interests, and goals for regenerative learning.

Initial Interview

If selected, you'll have a video call to discuss the program, farm life, and your expectations.

Acceptance & Deposit

Upon acceptance, secure your spot with a deposit and select your housing option.

Preparation

Receive your welcome packet with all details to prepare for your arrival on the farm.

Start Your Application