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Apprentice Vineyard Operative Clayhill Vineyard

We are a family run vineyard in the Crouch Valley Region of Essex. Established in 2006, primarily producing grapes as an alternative cash crop with some additional small scale still & sparkling wine production. Work on the vineyard still has to coexist with the continued operations of a 300 acre family farm and 250 acres of arable contracting.

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Closing date: 30 Sep 2022

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £7,503.60

    We like to pay fairly and happy to apply a bonus on performance increases. Once we get to know you and your needs we are happy to consider a change in hours to help suit your needs.

    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

    Minimum hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3;30pm with opportunities to increase hours during seasonal hours and increased practical experience through training.

    Total hours per week: 30

  • Expected duration

    24 Months

  • Possible start date

    31 Oct 2022

  • Date posted

    20 Jul 2022

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000057913

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

You will be working with existing vineyard operatives, assisting in the yearly operations of a vineyard and small winery.  Areas of work involved wll be:

  • Pruning and trellis management, canopy management in spring and summer, weed management. pest and disease control, yield estimation and yield management, maturity estimation and harvesting, vineyard establishment, machinery and equipment use.

 

  • You will also be involved in our winemaking as we produce limited volumes of still & sparkling wines for local interest.  This will involve pressing, racking tanks, bottling, disgorging, labelling, etc.

 

  • Help with general building maintenance will also be required.

     

  • You may also be requested for tractor operations on the arable farm side at peak seasonal times if needed.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

  • You will be training as Crop Technician Level 3 (Viticulture).
  • Teaching will be held on campus at Plumpton Agricultural College.  This will be backed up with practical work and training on site in the vineyard.
  • Training will be block release.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

We are an expanding family business and are looking for someone to join our ‘family’ for the long term.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness, Enjoy being out in all weather

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English & Maths (Grade 4) Desired

Things to consider

Most of the work involves being outside. You must be happy in an outside environment, be prepared to work in all weathers, able to work alongside others. We are based in a semi rural area with poor bus connections, getting to work should be taken seriously.

About the employer

Established in 2006, Clayhill Vineyard is a family run vineyard in the Crouch Valley Region of Essex. Primarily producing grapes as an alternative ‘cash crop’ on the family farm, over the last 10 years we have doubled the planted area. We also produce our own small scale still & sparkling wines for local sales and opened a café with tasting room in 2017. All work on the vineyard still has to coexist with the continued operations of a 300 acre family farm and 250 of arable contracting.

Employer

Clayhill Vineyard

Address

Clayhill Vineyard

Lower Burnham Road

Latchingdon

CM3 6HF

Contact

Dale Symons

dale@clayhillvineyard.co.uk

07771 995460

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Training

Training provider

PLUMPTON COLLEGE

Apprenticeship standard

Crop technician

Level 3 (A level)

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