We’re on the lookout for an Apprentice to join our Orcharding team and award-winning Talent Programme. At Thatchers, we have over 500 acres of orchard to nurture- this apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of cider apple growing and farm engineering, while working as part of our dedicated Orchard team learning the Thatchers way- partnering with Bicton College.

Who are Thatchers Cider?

Since 1904, Thatchers has been crafting some of the world’s best cider. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we take pride in our Somerset roots. We’ve grown a lot, thanks to big investments in marketing, people development, innovative tech, and our world-class cider mill. But guess what? We’re just getting started.

This apprenticeship is an opportunity to catapult your career within a family business that's growing fast, with plenty of opportunities. So, if you’re motivated to grow with our brand and deliver top-notch service along the way, keep reading...

Why choose an Orchard Apprenticeship at Thatchers?

Starting a career is a big step, and at Thatchers, we’ll provide all the training, support, and development you need to shine! Alongside your line managers and college assessors, our dedicated Talent Team will be there to guide you through your full Thatchers Company Induction, as well as support you throughout your career journey, in the form of regular check-ins.

We’ll help you to complete a Level 2 Land-Based Engineering course, in partnership with Bicton College, and we’ll tailor a training plan just for you, helping you grow through attending business events and networking opportunities.

In return, we ask for hard work, dedication, and trust. We want you to own your apprenticeship and share the same enthusiasm and passion for our business as we do!

What are the perks?

• Above average apprenticeship wage

• Tasty discounts at our cider shop (for those over 18!) and pub, The Railway Inn

• Career opportunities in a stable, expanding company

• Student discount card

What will I be doing?

As an Orchard (farm based engineer) Apprentice, you’ll dive into every aspect of cider apple growing and farm engineering. This full-time role includes college days to balance practical skills and experience with academic knowledge. You’ll work closely with our Orcharding team to understand what it takes to grow high quality apples and ensure the smooth operation of our farm machinery and equipment.

Some of the skills you will learn:

• All aspects of growing apples for cider production including harvesting, pruning, crop protection, nutrition and tree husbandry

• Maintain and repair farm machinery and equipment

• Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance

• Work with the team to ensure health and safety standards are met

• Support the Orcharding team with various tasks as needed

What are we looking for?

To be considered as a Farm Engineer Apprentice, you’ll need:

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or Level 2 Functional skills or equivalent

• Good IT skills

• Highly organized

Personal qualities:

• Confident and good with people

• Thirst for knowledge

• Smartly presented

• Someone who loves to get things done

• Strong work ethic and can-do attitude

• Proactive and a problem solver

• Attention to detail

• Flexible and resilient in changing situations

Thatchers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.