Next Generation Apprentice

We have an exciting opportunity for passionate, driven individuals to join our award-winning Thatchers Talent Programme as a Next Generation Apprentice. Whether you're eager to kickstart your career in a commercial role or dive into the heart of cider production, this apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn the Thatchers way, developing hands-on skills alongside University Centre Weston.

Since 1904, Thatchers has been crafting some of the world's best cider. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we take huge pride in our Somerset roots. We've grown significantly thanks to major investments in marketing, people development, state-of-the-art technology, and our world-class cider mill - but we're just getting started. Joining Thatchers as an apprentice means becoming part of one of the fastest-growing, family-run businesses with huge opportunities to develop your skills and career.

As part of this unique role, you'll be gaining hands-on experience across our entire business, including:

• Supporting customer services, finance, marketing, and sales activities
• Learning every stage of the cidermaking & packaging process, from pressing the apples to preparing our ciders for distribution

You’ll combine practical, real-world learning with high-quality academic development, receiving all the training, support & development you’ll need to succeed. Starting a career is a big step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way through:

• Full Thatchers Company Induction
• Regular check-ins with our Talent Team
• One-to-one support from your line managers and college assessors
• A tailored training plan to help you grow
• Opportunities to attend business events and networking sessions

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.

As a Next Generation Apprentice, you’ll be based at our home of Myrtle Farm in Somerset on a full-time basis, completing a Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprenticeship (delivered by University Centre Weston), all whilst embarking on a business-wide journey, gaining knowledge & practical skills across the full spectrum of Thatchers, from Pip to Pint. Specifically, you will:

• Understand the full production process of our cider, from pip to pint
• Learn how to carry out essential quality control checks
• Discover what it takes to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot on our state-of-the-art production lines
• Work with lab technicians and cider experts to learn the science of cider making
• Understand how we maintain high standards of health & safety, hygiene and positive waste management
• Handle inbound and outbound customer calls
• Use our bespoke IT software
• Manage customer orders and promotional items/POS
• Support our finance department
• Assist with cider installation requests and repairs
• Work with our marketing team to sample and activate our brand
• Gain hands-on experience selling to our customers in the Thatchers Cider Shop
• Get out into trade with our sales team in the field
• Collaborate with category insight managers, learning about data in the marketplace
• Complete project work with our Talent Team

This is a full-time role based at our home, Myrtle Farm in Somerset and will sometimes include shift work as part of your rotations (days/nights/weekends depending on your age and department).

You will need:

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
• Good IT skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• A proactive, can-do attitude
• Great attention to detail
• Flexibility and resilience in changing situations
• A thirst for knowledge and the drive to go the extra mile

Personal Qualities that Shine at Thatchers:

• Confident and great with people
• Motivated and eager to learn
• Smartly presented
• Passionate about understanding new equipment, processes or technology
• Trustworthy and hardworking
• Able to build strong relationships across teams
• Proactive approach
• Flexible and resilient in changing situations

What are the Perks?

• Above average apprenticeship wage
• Shift bonus available when working in our operations facilities
• Discounts at our Cider Shop (for those over 18) and our pub, The Railway Inn
• Student discount card
• Career development opportunities within a stable, expanding business
• Additional training opportunities to develop your personal skills

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