Technical Grower Apprenticeship TODDINGTON NURSERIES LTD

Toddington Nurseries is a member of the Farplants Group and is one of the largest suppliers of plants to Garden Centres in the UK. This position will involve all aspects of growing crops from Irrigation, Feeding, and Monitoring for P&D, Environmental Control and assisting with production and Quality Control to achieve the high standard.

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Closing date: 30 Jun 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,707.84 to £21,131.76

    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

    Based on average 39hrs/Wk per Annum (Yr runs from Feb to Mar). Will include working Wkends. Have attached Work Rota summarising daily hrs through the year also showing months through the year where we have 2 shift teams.

    Total hours per week: 39

  • Expected duration

    24 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Aug 2023

  • Date posted

    09 May 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000160981

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

  • We are looking for an Assistant Technical Grower to help with all aspects of growing crops from Irrigation, Feeding, and Monitoring for P&D, Environmental Control and assisting with production and Quality Control for the company to achieve the high standard that our customers expect
  • The candidate will be reporting directly to the Technical Managers and will be a vital member of the technical team

Primary objectives: 


• Ensure crop operations (including watering, cultural work) are promptly and effectively carried out
• Undertake all crop protection tasks on a daily basis including bio-control, crop walks, monitoring etc.
• Maintain fertiliser stock in an orderly manner and keep appropriate records
• Maintain accurate crop records
• Ensuring you and any other staff members are working safely and comply with relevant legislation and established nursery procedures

• Ensure growing areas and crops are maintained in a tidy and orderly manner
• Ensure growing systems, equipment and facilities are maintained in a tidy and orderly manner and a safe and efficient working condition
• Ensuring batches are correctly labelled to the standard required by OHAS
• Undertake regular operator maintenance of all equipment used as scheduled
• Assist in the production of crops and despatch when work load demands
• Undertake any other nursery work when necessary, as directed



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

Level 2 Awards in:

  • Safe Use of Pesticides
  • On completion of the pesticides foundation unit above also choose one of the following units:
  • Boom sprayer, mounted, trailed or self-propelled equipment
  • Granular applicator equipment
  • Handheld applicator equipment
  • Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work
  • Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 4 or C or
    above) will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point
    assessment

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

  • Key grower, team leader, supervisory and management positions are all possible for the right person

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Analytical skills, Team working, Initiative, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths & English (Grade 3/D or above) Essential

Things to consider

Occasionally will be required to work outside in all weathers. Needs to be physically fit as role may include lifting, bending and working to hot temperatures.

About the employer

The Company produces garden and indoor plants to the highest possible standards, and sells them to Garden Centres throughout the length and breadth of the UK, as well as to a number of supermarkets and other retailers. Farplants has a national sales force and supplies 600 Garden Centres from John O Groats to Lands’ End. Toddington is a member of the Farplants Group (having been a founder member since 1972), and a shareholder in Farplants Group Ltd. The Company works closely with the Farplants marketing and sales team to decide what plants to grow, and to constantly innovate and develop new product ideas. In the past the company has discovered 'sports', that is plants that have mutated naturally to form a new variety. These are then protected by Plant Breeders Rights and potentially sold worldwide.

Employer

TODDINGTON NURSERIES LTD

Address

TODDINGTON NURSERIES

LAKE LANE

BARNHAM

PO22 0AQ

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Training

Training provider

WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE

Apprenticeship standard

Crop technician

Level 3 (A level)

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