Apprentice Nursery Worker C G J MATHIAS & SON

The opportunity for an apprentice to work as part of a team on a large scale hedging plant and tree nursery with the opportunity of ongoing employment. The successful candidate will learn all about how to successfully produce and prepare for sale a variety of plants and trees.

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Closing date: 31 Jul 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £13,312.00

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Two 15 minute unpaid tea breaks per day plus a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    24 Months

  • Possible start date

    09 Sep 2024

  • Date posted

    4 days ago

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000261614

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

As a large scale grower of hedging plants and ornamental trees which are shipped nationwide, we can offer an apprentice the opportunity to join a third generation family business that is rapidly expanding whilst working as part of a team of 10.

The position will offer the apprentice the opportunity to learn the whole process of growing and preparing for sale a variety of trees and plants, including both container grown and large scale field production in the soil.

The role will be varied throughout the year as the majority of our sales and harvesting take place in the cooler winter months when plants are dormant.  The summer months involve a much greater focus on managing our crops throughout the growing season.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn the whole process including, but not limited to:

  • Record Keeping (maintaining irrigation records, spray records and health and safety checks)
  • Crop Establishment (planting of new stock in our fields, fertilising, potting and irrigating)
  • Vehicle Operation (safe use of telehandler forklifts, tractors, pickup trucks and transit vans)
  • Crop Management (spraying, fertilising, weeding, trimming and undercutting)
  • Harvest (rootballing plants during the winter from our fields using specialist machinery, selecting potted plants that are ready for sale)
  • Storage (packing plants onto pallets ready for orders, heeling in bare root trees for later sale)
  • Maintenance and Preparation (general site maintenance and preparing areas ready for new crops)

The role will involve outdoor working in all weather conditions and the successful candidate will need to be physically fit.

 

The training you will be getting

You will be attending Hadlow College one day per month studing Level 3 Crop Technician.

You will also be studing Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work, Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Handheld Equipment and a Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Following the apprenticeship, there will be the opportunity for an ongoing full time job.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Patience, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4/C or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4/C or above) Essential
Other Driving Licence (Grade Pass) Desired

Things to consider

We are in a rural area 3 miles south of Farnham train station. The successful candidate will therefore need to have the ability to drive to work. There are no nearby public transport links that pass our nursery The role will involve outdoor working in all weather conditions and the successful candidate will need to be physically fit.

About the employer

C.G.J.Mathias & Son (Nurseries) are a third generation family nursery business which has been established in the Surrey Hills for over 60 years as growers and suppliers of a wide range of hedging plants. Having been growing plants since 1963, our staff have a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of horticulture and are well placed to help you with deciding what would be best suited to your requirements.

Employer

C G J MATHIAS & SON

Address

Black Lake

Tilford

Farnham

GU10 2BH

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Training

Training provider

NORTH KENT COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

Lucy Penniall

lucypenniall@northkent.ac.uk

01322629400

Apprenticeship standard

Crop technician

Level 3 (A level)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Before you apply

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