At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on experience in soft fruit and salad production across various departments.
- Company: Join a 5th generation family-run business in the beautiful Kent countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, on-site accommodation, and structured training.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Develop your skills while making a real impact in sustainable farming practices.
- Qualifications: Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field; passion for fresh produce.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 32000 € per year.
As a Graduate Trainee, you’ll take an active, hands‑on role across all areas of soft fruit and salad production. Through a 2‑year structured training programme, you’ll rotate between departments gaining practical experience to build your technical knowledge, leadership skills, and commercial awareness. As you develop in the role, you’ll begin to take ownership of specific projects and management of teams. Regular performance reviews will help track your progress and allow your training to be tailored to your skills, interests, and future goals.
Location: Mereworth, Kent, England
Contract: Full‑Time, Fixed Term Contract (2 years)
Accommodation: Available
Salary: dependent on experience and qualifications (expected range: £27,000 - £32,000)
We are a 5th generation family run group of businesses. Hugh Lowe Farms grows strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, L J Betts Ltd grows leafy salad crops, Blaise Plants propagates soft fruit plants, we also have arable crops and a vineyard. In total we farm over 1300ha, in this position you will have the opportunity to work across this group of businesses all located closely together in the Weald of Kent.
Your main areas of involvement will include:
- Crop Production: Working closely with experienced growers to support all stages of the crop cycle, including soil preparation, planting and crop monitoring. You'll gain experience with both soft fruit and salad crops, learning how to manage them in open-field and protected environments.
- Irrigation & Fertigation: Supporting the management of water and nutrient delivery systems, monitoring plant requirements, and adjusting settings as needed.
- Pest & Disease Management: Engaging in crop walking, monitoring, and implementing integrated pest management practices under supervision.
- Machinery & Equipment: Operating and maintaining horticultural machinery and tools, including harvest platforms, tractors, and irrigation equipment (training provided).
- Harvest & Post-Harvest Handling: Participating in the planning, execution, and monitoring of harvest operations, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout.
- Packing Operations: Working in the packhouse to understand grading, labelling, and customer specifications.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance: Gaining experience with farm audits, traceability systems, food safety requirements, and quality control procedures.
- Team Operations: Working alongside and helping supervise seasonal teams, learning about labour planning, task allocation, and people management.
What you'll gain:
- Structured, on‑the‑job training across crop cycles, pest management, irrigation, and harvest.
- Exposure to modern protected cropping systems and sustainable farming practices.
- Direct involvement in day‑to‑day farm operations and decision‑making.
- Opportunities to assist with team leadership and seasonal labour coordination.
- Mentorship from experienced growers and farm managers.
- Career progression routes into management, technical, or agronomy roles.
- A beautiful working environment in the Kent countryside.
- On‑site accommodation (subject to availability).
What we’re looking for:
- A degree (or equivalent) in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related subject.
- A genuine interest in fresh produce and commercial crop production.
- Practical, hands‑on approach with a willingness to learn and take on responsibility.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Clear communication and interpersonal skills, especially in a team setting.
- Resilience and flexibility to work in a fast‑paced environment.
- Confidence to contribute ideas and solve problems on the ground.
- A full driving licence is required.
- Experience operating machinery is desirable (e.g. telehandlers, forklifts, excavators etc.).
Apply for this role by sending your CV and Cover Letter to: jobs@hlf.co.uk
Graduate Trainee employer: Abingworth
Hugh Lowe Farms offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring professionals in the agricultural sector, providing a structured 2-year Graduate Trainee programme that fosters hands-on experience across various aspects of soft fruit and salad production. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, career progression, and a supportive work culture, employees can thrive in a beautiful Kent countryside setting while developing their technical skills and leadership abilities. The company’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and team collaboration makes it an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Hugh Lowe Farms and their values. When you show genuine interest in their operations during interviews, it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical experience, be ready to demonstrate your skills or knowledge in crop production and machinery operation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that align with the Graduate Trainee role. We want to see how your background in Horticulture or Agriculture can contribute to our soft fruit and salad production.
Show Your Passion:In your cover letter, let us know why you're genuinely interested in fresh produce and commercial crop production. Share any personal experiences or projects that showcase your enthusiasm for the industry.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abingworth
✨Know Your Crops
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of soft fruit and salad production. Familiarise yourself with the crop cycles, pest management techniques, and irrigation systems. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be ready to discuss any practical experience you have in horticulture or agriculture. Whether it's a project from university or a summer job, highlight how you've applied your skills in real-world situations. This will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the Graduate Trainee position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company’s practices, team dynamics, or future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with teams, be sure to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in group settings. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team environment, which is crucial in a fast-paced agricultural setting.
