Apprentice Crop Technician

City College Norwich; Methwold, Methwold Hythe; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading college in Norfolk offers an apprenticeship in horticulture, providing practical experience in plant care and nursery operations. Ideal for candidates interested in production horticulture, this role includes hands-on tasks and training at the college. The apprenticeship lasts 2 years and 6 months, with a starting date of September 1, 2025.

Qualifications

• GCSE grade 4/C in English and Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent.
• Applicants with grade 3/D considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Daily tasks include moving, grading, and irrigation management.
• Pruning, selecting plants for orders, and weeding.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organization

Initiative

Strong Work Ethic

Time Management

Willingness to Learn

Positive Attitude

Dependability

Flexibility

Reliability

Education

GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4 or C)

Job description

Closes in 28 days (Saturday 14 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

As an apprentice, you will gain practical experience and knowledge in various aspects of horticulture, plant care, and nursery operations. This promotes day-to-day tasks necessary for nurturing plants from plugs to saleable size, plant biology, pest management, and use of machinery. You will build a solid foundation to further your career.

Wage will depend on age. For a 16-17 year old apprentice, the annual wage will be £16,099 (£8.60 per hour). For an 18-20 year old apprentice, the annual wage will be £18,720 (£10.00 per hour).

Training course: Crop Technician (Level 3)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30-16:00, with a 40-minute break each day. Total of 37 hours 30 minutes per week.

Start date: Monday, 1 September 2025

Duration: 2 years 6 months

Work

Most of your apprenticeship will be spent working on-site, gaining hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The ideal candidate will have an interest in production horticulture. The apprenticeship will help you develop knowledge and new skills.

Main duties include:

• Daily tasks such as moving, grading, and irrigation management
• Pruning, selecting plants for orders, and weeding
• Completing job sheets for spraying after achieving the necessary qualifications

Where you'll work

This apprenticeship is available at the following locations:

• Old Feltwell Road, Methwold, Thetford, Norfolk, IP26 4PW
• Broad Fen Farm, Severalls Road, Methwold Hythe, Thetford, IP26 4QU

Training

Apprentices will attend college sessions during block weeks at the Easton campus near Norwich. Training includes:

• Level 1-2 Functional Skills in English and Maths (if not already achieved)
• First Aid
• PA1 (Safe Use of Pesticides)
• PA2 (Ground Crop Sprayer Hydraulic Nozzle)

End Point Assessment involves a knowledge test, practical demonstration, and professional discussion.

Requirements

Essential qualifications:

• GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4 or C)

Additional relevant qualifications and experience can be considered for adjustments.

Skills needed include attention to detail, organization, initiative, a strong work ethic, pride in work, integrity, time management, loyalty, willingness to learn, a positive attitude, dependability, responsibility, flexibility, and reliability.

Other requirements:

• Must have GCSE grade 4/C in English and Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent. Applicants with grade 3/D will be considered case-by-case after assessment.
• Applicants should have their own transport due to location. Travel to college is also required.
• The role involves working in glasshouses, polytunnels, outdoor conditions, and operating horticultural machinery like tractors and forklifts.

About Darby Nursery Stock

A family-run business in Norfolk, supplying UK garden centres with British-grown plants. They focus on varieties that sell well and perform in UK gardens, producing over 1 million plants annually across two sites.

• The company seeks individuals interested in developing a full-time career with potential for advancement.

Contact for this apprenticeship:

City College Norwich (Apprenticeships)

Phone: [phone]

Reference code: VAC1000320516

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Saturday 14 June 2025 at 11:59pm). You will need to sign in with GOV.UK One Login to apply, which can be created during the application process.