Organic Horticultural Traineeship - April to Nov 2022

The Organic Farm Shop veg garden is approx 12 acres surrounding the shop, café and education centre. The growing team consists of the head grower, a permanent veg/flower/education
grower, 3 x 2.5 yr growing apprentices and 1 or 2 trainees at any one time. The team is knowledgeable, friendly and very enthusiastic, all with a mission to grow organic food to feed the local community.

Time period – 7 months April to Nov 2022
Working hours - 40 hrs/week and weekend rota in soft fruit season. 32 hours veg growing, 8 hours paid work £9.50 an hour in shop, café or accommodation changeovers as needed

Pay – Free caravan/mobile home accommodation, lunch x 5 days, lots of kitchen grade veg and fruit and £50/week for expenses plus paid day x 1

Educational Aims – Cover in depth all Horticultural aspects of commercial organic vegetable production.

Method – Continuous on the job mentoring, weekly 1hr theory sessions and regular walk rounds to discuss relevant seasonal subjects.

Cost – Free.

Subjects covered – Soil, Crop Families, Rotations, Propagation, Ground Preparation, Protected Cropping, Compost production and use, Green Manures, Weeding and Weeds, Pest and Disease, Tractor Driving, Horticultural Machinery, Irrigation, Soft Fruit Management, Bulk Harvest, Crop Storage and Preparing for winter.

Ideal for someone who would like to experience a season on a commercial holding to see whether commercial growing is what they would like to be doing as a career.

Applicants must be physically strong and able to work positively in all weather conditions, we are seeking an applicant who is looking to exchange hard work for an intensive learning experience.

Please email hilary@theorganicfarmshop.co.uk with a full cv and letter of interest if you would like to be considered.