At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in cider production and various business roles.
- Company: Join Thatchers, a family-run cider company with over 100 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive apprenticeship wage, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career while learning the art of cider making from experts.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible shifts and a supportive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
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).
What are we looking for? 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.
Next Generation Apprentice in Somerset employer: Thatchers Cider Company
Contact Detail:
Thatchers Cider Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Next Generation Apprentice in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Thatchers! Research the company, its history, and its values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in becoming part of their family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions and think about how your skills align with the apprenticeship role. We want to see your passion and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend any events or workshops related to Thatchers or the cider industry. Meeting people in the field can open doors and give you insider tips on landing that apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thatchers family and ready to take that first step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Next Generation Apprentice in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cider and the Thatchers brand shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Next Generation Apprentice role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we do at Thatchers.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for individuals who are confident and great with people, so show us who you are and what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application gets to the right place and we can get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thatchers Cider Company
✨Know Your Cider
Before the interview, take some time to learn about Thatchers Cider and its history. Familiarise yourself with their products and the cider-making process. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions related to the company and its values.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine interest in the apprenticeship and the cider industry. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your passion for learning and working in a hands-on environment. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training process, opportunities for growth, or the company culture. It shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Thatchers values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and ability to collaborate with others, as this will align with their expectations for a Next Generation Apprentice.