Apprentice Watercress Grower
VITACRESS SALADS LIMITED · Andover, SP11 6DB
Crop technician (level 3)
You will assist in the growing, harvesting and maintenance operations of a watercress farm whilst following company guidelines. You will also attend Sparsholt college 1 day per week where you will study for the Crop Technician Level 3 qualification.
The work
Employees have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by employees’ actions at work. Employees must co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements.
Person specification
- You will need to be physically fit and able to work in all weather conditions
- You will need to have the desire to learn all aspects of growing watercress
- You will be expected to attend training both internally and externally to include first aid as an essential
- To follow course syllabus and work towards completing all task set by course instructor
- Perform general farm duties as instructed by your manager, these may include, bed cleaning, levelling, planting, fertiliser application, rolling, harvesting, chipping and general farm husbandry
- Complete any paperwork that is required in the day-to-day needs of the farm
- Assist in implementing any new production methods which aim to improve the efficiency of the farm
- Ensure all assets are maintained and utilised efficiently and maintain the production areas, buildings and environments in a serviceable, tidy and weed free state
- Always observe company Health & Safety and Environment Policy requirements
- You will be expected if the need arises to work on different sites in the UK, a driving licence is an essential requirement
- Understand the cycle of growing watercress including the quality of water entering and discharging from beds and farms, following the criteria and in particular ensure compliance with EA discharge consents through the effective utilisation and maintenance of settlement facilities
- Work as a team member and instil a positive approach within the workplace
Training
Day release during term time to Sparsholt College.
Training provider: SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
What you come out with
You may be offered a permanent position, upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.
What they are looking for
- Communication skills
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Analytical skills
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Qualifications
- Essential · GCSE English 4(C)
- Essential · GCSE Maths 4 (C) or above
The employer
We started in 1951 with ambition, determination and one precious acre of watercress beds in Alresford, Hampshire. We are now part of the RAR Group with a network of farms and 13.5 hectares of glasshouses, employing over 1500 people across Europe.
Workplace
- Lower Link Farm, Lower Link St Mary Bourne, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 6DB