Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Hughes, Claretha

Committee Member

Niu, Yuanlu

Second Committee Member

Liang, Xinya

Keywords

Crop Farming; Vocational Self-Concept Crystallization; Apprenticeship

Abstract

Across the United States, a farmer shortage threatens the future of food production as the population continues to grow. However, farming apprenticeship programs may be a solution to this crisis. This study addressed a gap in research regarding the career decision-making processes of farm apprenticeship completers. Specifically, this study sought to identify whether farm apprenticeship completion resulted in greater vocational self-concept crystallization as well as farming as a career choice. Due to the lack of research, an exploratory qualitative research design was most suitable for this study. Donald Super’s self-concept development theory was the theoretical framework. Self-concept development theory was an appropriate framework because it proposes that career development experiences, such as apprenticeships, give an individual the opportunity to evaluate whether their chosen work environment is a suitable place to invest a major part of their adult life. Participating farm apprenticeship completers responded to an informational and demographic form and completed videoconference interviews. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo. Results indicated that vocational self-concept crystallization does occur through the farming apprenticeship process. Findings showed that some participants pursued farming while others did not, but all described the experience as helpful in clarifying career direction. The study concludes that farming apprenticeship programs support both career decision-making and vocational self-concept development.

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