Apprentice Watercress Grower

Vitacress; Wareham; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sparsholt College qualification

Hands-on experience

Job summary

Vitacress invites applications for an Apprentice Watercress Grower based at Vitacress Farms in the UK. The role combines hands-on field work with one day per week at Sparsholt College to complete the Crop Technician Level 3 qualification.

You will participate in growing, harvesting and maintenance of watercress crops, learn water quality management and environmental practices, and gain a recognised career pathway in horticulture. This is an outdoor, physical role on a working farm.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D), including English and Maths.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist with growing, harvesting and maintenance of watercress crops across Vitacress farms.
• Carry out practical farming tasks including bed cleaning, levelling, planting, fertiliser application and harvesting.
• Learn about the watercress growing cycle, water quality management and environmental compliance.
• Maintain farm buildings, equipment and production areas to keep them safe, tidy and operational.
• Work with experienced colleagues to support efficient farm operations and new growing methods.

Skills

GCSE English & Maths

Driving Licence

Education

GCSEs 9-3 including English & Maths

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 9-3 (A*-D), including English and Maths as part of the qualifying criteria for the Apprenticeship
• A full UK driving licence 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.