What the National Farmworker Jobs Program does

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) is a federally funded training and employment program run by the U.S. Department of Labor. It serves migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families by offering job training, career counseling, and help finding work in agriculture and related fields. The program does not provide cash information — instead, it connects people to training opportunities and job placement services through local service providers.

The program operates through grants to nonprofit organizations, community colleges, and workforce agencies in agricultural regions across the country. These local providers are the ones who actually deliver services in your area. If you are a farmworker or family member of a farmworker, you would contact a local provider directly to learn what training and job services they offer.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Farmworker Jobs Program offers job training and career services through local nonprofit and community college providers, not through a single national office.
  • You must be a migrant or seasonal farmworker, or a family member of one, to use the program's services.
  • Services include occupational training, English language classes, high school diploma or GED preparation, and help finding jobs in agriculture or other fields.
  • To find the provider serving your area, you can contact your state workforce agency or search the Department of Labor's list of grantees.
  • There is no cost to you for training or job placement services provided through the program.

Who can use the National Farmworker Jobs Program

To use NFJP services, you must fall into one of these categories: you are a migrant farmworker, a seasonal farmworker, or a family member (spouse, child, or dependent) of either. The program defines a migrant farmworker as someone who moves to find agricultural work, and a seasonal farmworker as someone who works in agriculture on a seasonal basis but may not move for work.

Family members do not have to work in agriculture themselves to be served. A spouse or dependent child of a farmworker can receive training and job placement help even if they have never done farm work. This means if you are the family member of a farmworker, you may be able to use the program to train for a different type of job.

There are no income limits or citizenship requirements stated in the program rules, though individual local providers may have additional requirements. When you contact a provider, they will ask about your work history and family situation to confirm you meet the basic definition.

Types of training and services offered

Local NFJP providers offer different services depending on what is available in your area and what you need. Common offerings include occupational skills training in fields like construction, healthcare, food processing, and equipment operation. Many providers also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, since many farmworkers are non-native English speakers.

You may also find help preparing for a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills training, and job readiness workshops that cover resume writing, interview skills, and workplace expectations. Some providers offer supportive services like help with transportation, childcare, or work clothing to remove barriers to training.

Job placement is a core part of the program. After you complete training, the provider helps you find and find employment. This may include connecting you with employers, helping you explore for jobs, or coaching you through the interview process. Some providers also offer follow-up support after you start a new job to help you succeed.

How to find the NFJP provider in your area

The National Farmworker Jobs Program does not have a single intake office. Instead, you need to find the local provider that serves your region. The fastest way is to contact your state workforce agency — the office that handles job training and employment services in your state. You can search for your state's workforce agency online, or call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for the National Farmworker Jobs Program provider near you.

The U.S. Department of Labor also maintains a list of NFJP grantees on its website. You can search by state to find organizations that receive funding to run the program in your area. Once you have the name and contact information of a local provider, you can call or visit them to ask about services and how to get your free guide.

When you contact a provider, have your work history ready — specifically, information about the farms or agricultural operations where you have worked, the types of work you did, and roughly how long you worked there. This helps the provider confirm you meet the program's definition of a farmworker or farmworker family member.

What happens after you contact a provider

When you first contact a local NFJP provider, they will schedule an intake appointment. During this meeting, a counselor will ask about your work history, your current situation, your goals, and any barriers you face (such as childcare needs or transportation challenges). They will also assess your English language skills and educational background.

Based on this conversation, the counselor will help you choose a training program or service that matches your goals and circumstances. If you want to learn a new trade, they may recommend a specific occupational training program. If you need to improve your English or earn a diploma first, they may suggest starting there. The counselor will explain what each option involves, how long it takes, and what support is available.

Once you enroll in a training program, the provider covers the cost of instruction, materials, and often supportive services like transportation vouchers or childcare information. You attend classes or training sessions as scheduled. The provider's job counselor stays in touch with you throughout training and helps you move into employment once you finish.

Training timelines and what to expect

Training length varies widely depending on what you choose. English language classes may run for several months or longer, depending on your starting level and how often you attend. High school diploma or GED preparation typically takes several months to a year. Occupational skills training can range from a few weeks for short-term certifications to several months for more comprehensive programs.

Most training is offered during daytime hours, but some providers offer evening or weekend classes to accommodate people who are working. If you are currently employed in farm work, talk with your counselor about scheduling options that fit your work season.

The program is designed to move you toward employment, so job placement begins while you are still in training. Your counselor will start connecting you with employers and helping you prepare for interviews before your training ends. This overlap helps you transition directly into work rather than finishing training and then searching for a job.

Costs and what is covered

There is no cost to you for any NFJP training or job placement services. The program is federally funded, so instruction, materials, and career counseling are free. If the provider offers supportive services — such as help paying for transportation, work uniforms, or childcare during training — those are also free.

Some providers may offer stipends or wage subsidies while you are in training, though this varies by location and funding. Ask your counselor whether your local provider offers any payment while you train. If you are currently working and need to reduce your hours to attend training, knowing whether a stipend is available can help you make the decision.

You are not required to repay any training costs, even if you do not complete the program or do not find a job afterward. The program is a public service, not a loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to use the National Farmworker Jobs Program?

The program rules do not state a citizenship requirement. However, individual local providers may have different rules, and some training programs or jobs may require work authorization. When you contact a provider, ask directly about their requirements for non-citizens.

Can I use the program if I work seasonally but do not move for work?

Yes. Seasonal farmworkers who stay in one place are served by the program, not just migrant workers who move. If you work in agriculture on a seasonal basis — for example, during harvest — you may be served.

What if there is no NFJP provider near me?

The program operates in agricultural regions, so coverage is not nationwide. If no NFJP provider serves your area, your state workforce agency can direct you to other job training programs that may help. Call 211 or contact your state's workforce office for alternatives.

Can I train for a job outside of agriculture?

Yes. While the program focuses on farmworkers, training is not limited to farm jobs. You can train for construction, healthcare, food processing, or other fields. The goal is to help you move into stable employment, whether that is in agriculture or another industry.

How long does it take to find a job after training?

This depends on the job market in your area, the field you trained in, and your own circumstances. Your counselor begins job placement while you are still in training, so the transition is usually quick. Some people find work within weeks of finishing training; others may take longer. Your provider continues to support you during the job search.