Apprentice Vineyard Operative

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.

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.

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

Employer Name

Clayhill Vineyard

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.

Training provider

PLUMPTON COLLEGE

Apprenticeship standard

Crop technician (level 3)

How to apply?

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.