SuperAdobe Level 4 Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Programs
Build with Purpose. Learn by Doing. Transform with Earth.
CalEarth offers an immersive apprenticeship options designed to deepen your understanding of earth architecture and SuperAdobe techniques.
Through this 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
FAQ
Program Details
The Level 4 Apprenticeship is designed for all backgrounds and no technical experience is required. Apprentices are typically people who want to begin developing their own project plan, including dome concepts, site planning, and budgeting fundamentals in addition to building with SuperAdobe. Many apprentices also go on to teach workshops at CalEarth or all around the world independently. If you can take direction, work independently, get along with other like-minded individuals and believe in the future of CalEarth and want to be part of this
work, this program is for you.
In order to ensure we maximize the teaching time and cover all planned topics the program runs 6 days a week typically with Sundays off. More details will be provided and start times vary based on daylight/season/temperature since the work is mostly outdoor it can be highly variable. Apprentices also participate in workshops and Open Houses which are scheduled during the program.
Weeks 1–2 (Remote Learning)
-Dome Theory, Elements of Design,
-Project Development & Management
-Complete Online Level 3 Course
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
Some partial need-based scholarships
available in the amounts of: $500-$1500
The apprenticeship requires full commitment for the duration of the program.
No, you are welcome to live off-site. Camping on-site is also permitted for no additional cost (students to provide own gear/tent, access to shower and kitchen). Shared housing is available for an additional cost.
We accept approximately 4-6 apprentices per season.
Dates: August 25-November 1, 2026
(On-Site Sept 16-Nov 1)
Cost: $6,000/$7000 (With Housing)
$400 Deposit (Refundable)
50% Due upon acceptance
50% Due August 1, 2026
Deposit non-refundable upon acceptance
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full