SuperAdobe Level 4 Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Programs
Build with Purpose. Learn by Doing. Transform with Earth.
CalEarth offers two immersive apprenticeship options designed to deepen your understanding of earth architecture and SuperAdobe techniques.
Whether you are able to join us the 5 Week Dome Intensive Apprenticeship or the 11 week Comprehensive SuperAdobe Apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on experience, foundational knowledge, and a transformative connection to sustainable design.
Created and refined through the works of Nader Khalili and thousands of students over many decades, the apprenticeship programs empower the individual to unlock their natural potential and the tools to manifest their vision by using the earth under their feet.
~ Earth Turns to gold in the hands of the wise~ Rumi
5 Week
Dome Intensive Apprenticeship
Dates: September 18 – October 24
Cost: $4,000
$400 Deposit (Refundable)
50% Due upon acceptance
50% Due August 1, 2025
Deposit non-refundable upon acceptance
Location: On-Site at CalEarth, Hesperia, CA
Includes:
Level 3 Workshop ($1,400 Value)
On-Site Residential Practicum (4 weeks)
Advanced Dome Building: Apse Design, Fenestration Strategies, Water Management Techniques
Schedule:
Week 1 Level 3 Workshop
Weeks 2-5 Advanced Dome Building
Skills You'll Learn
Everything from the Level 3 Workshop
Height Compass, Basic Water Management, Introduction to Design, Beginner Plastering Techniques, Working in Desert Conditions, Trenching, Gravel Bags, Drainage, Foundation Rows, Attaching an Apse, Ventilation
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full
Ideal for:
Students ready for an intensive on-site experience, but unable to commit to the full extended hybrid program. You'll build a complete dome with apse and and develop a deeper understanding of SuperAdobe in a focused 5-week format.
Housing: Camping On-Site is Permitted, Students to Provide Own Gear/Tent. Access to Showers and Kitchen
Attending the Cal-Earth Apprenticeship program was one of the best decisions I've ever made in life. Not only did it provide me with the opportunity to learn, but I was able to connect with other like minded individuals wanting to make a difference. I am so grateful for this new skill set and how this experience has encouraged me make steps towards the life I really want to be living!
Caitlin Deane, Apprentice
11 Week Comprehensive SuperAdobe Apprenticeship (Hybrid)
Dates: Sept 2-Nov 17 (On-Site Sept 18-Nov 7)
Cost: $6,000/$7000 (With Housing)
$400 Deposit (Refundable)
50% Due upon acceptance
50% Due August 1, 2025
Deposit non-refundable upon acceptance
Location: On-Site at CalEarth, Hesperia, CA
Includes:
-SuperAdobe Level 3 Online: Full Core Curriculum ($450 Value)
Includes Level 1 & 2 Plus Bonus Material
-Level 3 On-Site Workshop ($1,400 Value)
5 Week Dome Intensive Apprenticeship ($4000 value) -Advanced Dome Building: Apse Design, Fenestration Strategies, Water Management Techniques
-Extended On-Site Residential Practicum (2 weeks)
Advanced Plaster Instruction, Form Building, Project Development
-Remote Lectures and Personal Project Development and Presentation (3 Weeks)
Elements of Design, Dome Theory, Project Management & Development
Ideal for:
Students wanting to begin developing their project plan, including dome concepts, site planning, and budgeting fundamentals. Those who are interested in a comprehensive 11-week journey—combining remote instruction with full immersion at CalEarth's campus.
Housing: Camping on-site is permitted for no additional cost (students to provide own gear/tent, access to shower and kitchen). Shared housing is available for an additional cost.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full
Some partial need-based scholarships available in the amounts of: $500-$1500
11 Week Schedule
Weeks 1–2 (Remote Learning)
Dome Theory, Elements of Design,
Project Development & Management
Complete Online Level 3 Course
Attend live Zoom sessions with CalEarth instructors & global alumni
Begin developing your project plan, including dome concepts, site planning, and budgeting fundamentals
Weeks 3–10 (On-Site in Hesperia, CA)
Level 3 Workshop
Advanced Dome Building: Apse design Fenestration strategies, Water management techniques
Introduction to design, plastering, and working in desert conditions
Stabilized and Natural Plasters and finishes
Advanced Design
Week 11 (Remote)
Receive individual guidance on
final design projects
Final presentation includes: Project site analysis
Budget & schedule planning
Design renderings
Peer and instructor feedback
Cal-Earth’s full immersion apprenticeship program has been one of the best investments of my time. Learning the versatility of superadobe from top to bottom thoroughly really gave me the confidence that I can build and that it is possible.
Apprentice
