Apprentice Watercress Grower

Job description

Role Opportunity - Apprentice Watercress Grower Location: Vitacress Farms, UK Working pattern: 5 days per week, one day at Sparsholt College Apprenticeship: Crop Technician Level 3 (in conjunction with Sparsholt College) Grow Your Future with Vitacress Are you looking for a hands-on career in agriculture? Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning new skills and being part of a supportive team? Vitacress is offering an exciting opportunity to join our growing team as an Apprentice Watercress Grower. This apprenticeship combines practical experience on one of our watercress farms with formal study at Sparsholt College, where you will attend one day per week to complete your Crop Technician Level 3 qualification. As an Apprentice Watercress Grower, you will play an important role in supporting the growing, harvesting and maintenance of our watercress crops while developing valuable skills and knowledge for a successful career in horticulture and agriculture. This is a unique opportunity to build a rewarding career in agriculture, learn from experienced growers, and play an important role in producing one of the UK's most iconic salad crops. In this role you'll... • Assist with the growing, harvesting and maintenance of watercress crops across our farms. • Carry out a variety of practical farming tasks including bed cleaning, levelling, planting, fertiliser application and harvesting. • Learn about the complete watercress growing cycle, including water quality management and environmental compliance. • Maintain farm buildings, equipment and production areas to ensure they remain safe, tidy and operational. • Work closely with experienced colleagues to support efficient farm operations and the introduction of new growing methods. • Attend Sparsholt College one day per week and work towards achieving your Crop Technician Level 3 qualification. • Follow apprenticeship coursework and complete tasks and assessments set by your tutors. • Complete farm records and paperwork accurately to support day-to-day operations. • Always work safely and follow Vitacress Health & Safety and Environmental policies. • Support colleagues across different sites when required and contribute positively as part of the wider farming team. You can do this if you have... • Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including English and Maths as part of the qualifying criteria for the Apprenticeship • A full UK driving licence due to the nature of the role and insurance purposes, and willingness to travel between sites when required • This is a practical, outdoor role based on a working farm and involves regular physical activity, including standing, walking and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. • A genuine interest in agriculture and enthusiasm for learning how watercress is grown. • A positive, flexible attitude with strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team. What You'll Gain • Crop Technician Level 3 qualification through Sparsholt College. • Hands-on experience with one of the UK's leading watercress producers. • Training from experienced growers and agricultural professionals. • A recognised career pathway within a growing industry. • Valuable skills in crop production, environmental management and farm operations. Vitacress Salads, based in leafy St Mary Bourne, Andover is one of the principal salad and watercress suppliers in the UK. With our own salad leaf farms, we take immense pride in delivering a field to fork operation. We grow, wash, pack and distribute salad and watercress for retailer own brands and our own brand Steve’s Leaves. We take pleasure in ensuring the best possible standard and we will empower you to do the same. From the way we grow our products, to the relationships we maintain with customers, everyone knows exactly what is going on. We are authentic and grounded. At the centre of everything is a trust that you can feel every day at work. From the salads that are grown on site; to the investment in facilities and the growth of the business; to growing and nurturing out talented employees, growing is truly at the heart of what we do. Join us and become a trusted partner in our business.