Application Process Questions
Who can apply for the Utah Farmworker Program?
Anyone who has a legal right to work in the U.S. & has worked or is the dependant of someone who has worked in Agriculture in the last 2 years.
How many people in one family can apply for services?
There is no limit. We recommend that all family members apply and go through the program together. It creates a solid support system and helps increase the success of each family member.
How old do you have to be to apply?
16
Is there an age limit for participation?
No.
How long does it take to complete an application?
The application itself takes about 2 hours to complete. But, the application cannot be completed without all of the proof, and that takes as long as the applicant may take to gather the information.
What documentation & proof does an applicant need?
click here for a complete list.
Can FTT waive the requirement for any of the application proof?
No. This is a Federal Program & FTT must follow all laws and regulations for the National Farmworker Jobs Program.
Does a Farmworker's live-in girlfriend or boyfriend count as a dependant?
No.
Do the children of Farmworker's live-in girlfriend or boyfriend count as dependants?
Only if they are related by blood, adopted, fostered, or count as dependants on the Farmworker's taxes.
How many times can someone qualify for Emergency Services?
One time a year. The same person can qualify for emergency services two years in a row, but if they apply a third year, they will be required to participate in Training Services if they want services.
How long does it take to process an application before an applicant can get services?
After all of the application is completed, all proof provided, and any requested information is gathered, it may take as long as 2 weeks to process before financial services are possible.
Agriculture Related Questions
Is the Utah Farmworker Program trying to "steal" the agriculture labor force?
No. We help the agriculture labor force in 2 ways:
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We help stabilize emergencies and other situations to ensure that our Farmworkers are able to continue working in agriculture; and
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We provide training services to help improve productivity, safety, and the quality of workers.
What kinds of training have been provided for Farmworkers wanting to stay in Agriculture?
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EPA Required Pesticide Safety Training
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English Tutoring
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OSHA Forklift Certifications
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Commercial Driver's Licenses
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Basic Computers & Spreadsheets - one of our clients now makes spreadsheets to track employee hours, crops harvested, etc.
What other kinds of training can be done for Agriculture work?
It all depends on the needs of the industry, farms or farmers. We can pay for training in any number of areas, some examples:
Can H2A Workers get help through the program?
Yes. Qualifying H2A workers can get emergency services: assistance with clothes, shoes, blankets, food, etc.
Why are there non-agriculture training options for Farmworkers?
We are funded through the US Department of Labor, and the priority is to ensure that our workforce has year-round, permanent employment. In Utah, livestock and dairy production tend to be year round, but most crop production is seasonal. Our farmworkers need training to make sure they can do other jobs during the winter. Most commonly, our clients that get jobs outside of agriculture work a permanent job year round, and also work in agriculture during the season.
Training Related Questions
Are there trainings that are required for all clients?
Yes:
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WPS Pesticide Safety Training, Food Handler's Permit or CPR Certification
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Basic Computer Training
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English Tutoring (If not a fluent English speaker)
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Job Search Skills Training
What other kinds of training are available?
It depends on the desires of the client, the job market for his/her "dream job." Some examples of training we have helped with include:
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Computer Training - one client learned basic computer skills and then went on to get more training on making spreadsheets. Now, he uses spreadsheets to track other farmworkers' hours, crop production, and other things for the farm. Another continued to learn more computer skills and now works in a medical clinic.
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Commercial Drivers License - Many clients have completed CDL training. One uses his for work on a dairy, another works as a long-haul truck driver, and another got a job as a bus driver for a Migrant Head Start.
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Office Work Experience - Several clients have done unpaid internships in FTT and other non-profit offices. Some of our clients have gotten office jobs at places ranging from a Migrant Clinic to the State Tax Commission.
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OSHA Forklift Certification - This is the most popular training, and many of our clients have used their certifications to improve their agriculture jobs, as well as to get jobs in warehouses and factories.
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Entrepreneurial - Two clients have completed training on tax law, business plans, record keeping, marketing, etc. and have created their own businesses: 1 housekeeping business, and 1 internet-based portrait business.
How long can someone be in training with this program?
Depending on the training - anywhere from 3 weeks to 9 months.
Immigration Questions
Is there a difference between an "Immigrant" and a "Migrant?"
YES! An "Immigrant" is someone who moves from one country to another. A "Migrant" worker moves from one place to another following the work; migrating to work in their field. Migrant workers are unable to return "home" every night. Many Migrant workers are Immigrants, but many other Migrant workers are born and raised U.S. citizens. Migrant status is about the work and NOT immigration status.
Is the Utah Farmworker Program a program for immigrants?
This program is to help people who work in agriculture. Applicants must have a legal right to work in the U.S., and that includes U.S. Natives, Citizens and Legal Immigrants.
Can the Documented Dependant of an Undocumented Farmworker apply for the program?
Yes. Only the applicant needs to have a legal right in the U.S.
Do Undocumented family members count in the number of household members for program eligibility?
Yes. Everyone counts.
Does the income of Undocumented family members count in the household income for program eligibility?
Yes. All income from all members of the household counts.
What can this program do for Undocumented Immigrants?
We work with the Utah Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Coalition to ensure that Farmworkers with emergencies will have access to assistance. This program provides referral services regardless of immigration status.
Can FTT staff give immigration advice?
No. We do not have any lawyers on staff, and we are not qualified to give legal advice.
Does FTT report people to Immigration?
No. We are a service agency and we have no dealings with ICE or any other governmental Immigration Agency.
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