Viticulture (Wine) Crop Technician Apprentice

Summary

Savage Vineyard is an established vineyard with exciting growth plans. We are already working with some well-known winemakers and are looking for a Vineyard Apprentice who will also study at the renowned Plumpton College to develop their Career in the fast growing UK Wine Industry.

Annual wage: £12,979.20 to £23,200.32 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Crop technician (level 3)
Hours: Monday - Friday: 07.30am - 16.00pm. Longer hours when required, which would include Saturdays.
39 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 13 January
Duration: 2 years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

The apprentice's role would be primarily in our vineyards which currently stand at 16 hectare though we are planting more this spring and will nearly double the existing area over the next two years. The apprentice's duties will vary throughout the year:

during the winter months they would be pruning. We follow single and double Guyot methodology.
during the spring they would be planting, tying down and bud rubbing followed by general canopy management.
there will be opportunities throughout the year to use the machinery used in the vineyards including the sprayers, under supervision, and also to act as team leader during the summer and harvest period.

We have 100 hectares in total, much of which is tree fruits, so the role will not be exclusive to the vineyards throughout the year, though priority will be given to vines.

Where you’ll work

AMSBURY FARM

EAST STREET

HUNTON

MAIDSTONE

ME15 0QY

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

PLUMPTON COLLEGE

Your training course

Crop technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

Training will take place at Plumpton College and take place through a block release structure.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Having access to your own transport is highly recommended due to rural location of vineyard. Much of the work is outside in all weathers. The work itself will be quite physical. During peak season, early starts will be required. Being prepared for this is important.

About this company

A family farm business growing fruit and grapes mostly as contract growers. We grow top quality apples, pears, plums, apricots, cherries and quince! More recently we have established a vineyard and are very excited about the prospect of this! We have come a long way over 70 years but our focus remains the same – delivering the highest quality fruit that exceeds the expectations of our many and varied customers.

https://westerhill.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Viticulture in the south of England is rapidly growing. For those interested in joining, a range of career opportunities exist.

Ask a question

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