Introduction
The successful applicant will work towards a recognised Crop Technician Apprenticeship qualification while gaining valuable industry experience within a supportive and friendly working environment, with opportunities for future career progression in commercial horticulture.
About the Employer
For over six decades, we’ve been supplying UK garden centres with British‑grown premium plants that look magnificent on shelves from day one. We offer a comprehensive range across six main product categories – Shrubs, Perennials, Clematis, Climbers, Trees and Soft Fruit – all grown slowly and ‘tough’ at our all‑weather sites in Norfolk to ensure they are unforced and hardy. Focusing on varieties that we know will both sell well in garden centres and perform well in UK gardens, there is plenty to catch every customer’s eye, from old favourites and A‑Z staples, to the more unusual and exciting new introductions.
What You'll Do
- Working across all departments in the nursery, despatch, production and within the technical team.
- Bed preparations including liverwort removal, raking and re‑sanding
- Application of fertiliser and plant protection products
- Assisting with the application of biological controls
- Caning, tying and training plants on canes and trellis
- Maintenance work
- De‑leafing plants
- Disposal of unsaleable or surplus plants
- Driving various vehicles on‑site and between sites (where qualified to do so)
- Finishing, labelling and packing of plants for orders
- Fleecing and un‑fleecing plants
- Grading bare root and young plant liners
- Hand‑potting plants
- Hand‑watering and automatic irrigation operation / monitoring
- Hand‑weeding
- Collating / loading plants for orders
- Machine‑potting plants
- Moving plants (from one location to another)
- Opening and closing tunnel and glasshouse doors and vents
- Operation of various hand‑held equipment
- Root‑pruning and pruning plants
- Selecting plants for orders or potting
- Selecting labels and retail prices labels for orders
- Upkeep of the site, production areas, roadways and structures
- Transporting plants and trees
- Wrapping trolleys
- Training
Training Outcome
On completion of this Apprenticeship, Crop Technicians will have the opportunity to progress within the industry, potential full time position at the nursery.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Presentation skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to learn
Qualifications
- Desired - GCSE - English or Equivalent - A‑C or 9‑4
- Desired - GCSE - Maths or Equivalent - A‑C or 9‑4
Course Information
- Course: Crop technician (level 3)
- Level: 3
- Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
- Apprenticeship Level: Advanced
Working Arrangements
- Working Week: Monday - Wednesday 7.30am - 4.00pm, Thursday and Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm
- Expected Duration: 2 Years
- Number of Positions Available: 2
- Training Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
Crop Technician Apprentice in Feltwell employer: Darby Nursery Stock Ltd
Darby Nursery Stock Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where hands-on experience in horticulture is at the forefront. With a commitment to employee growth, you will receive comprehensive training towards a recognised Crop Technician qualification, alongside opportunities for long-term career progression within a supportive team environment in the picturesque setting of Feltwell.
