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An Apprenticeship on the National Trust arable farm.

The National Trust is committed to restoring a healthy, beautiful natural environment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We own over 200,000 hectares of farmed land, which is used by us and our tenant farmers to produce everything from milk to vegetables to venison. S ustainable farming practices on our land will play a key role in delivering our ambitious nature and climate goals. Our Farm team are responsible for the care, conservation, productivity and compliance of our in-hand farm land and for sharing it with our ever expanding audience.

Further information on the Apprenticeship Standard Crop technician / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

To apply for this role, please submit a covering letter that introduces yourself and answers the following questions:

· What do you understand about the Apprenticeship scheme?

· What do you know about the National Trust, and what attracts you to this role?

· What skills do you think would be the most important for a Crop Technician Garden Apprentice based on our arable?

What it's like to work here:Acquired by the National Trust in 1976 Wimpole Estate is home to a magnificent mansion house, 20ha formal gardens, 300ha of Grade 1 Listed parkland, designed lakes, over 100ha of woodlands, a rare breed livestock farm, 250ha organic arable land and a whole lot more. The estate is a busy place, attracting between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors a year and hosting events and tours for a wide range of stakeholders including DEFRA, Natural England, FWAG and NFU.

The arable farm converted to an organic system 13 years ago. Our main crops are wheat, barley and oats but we regularly trial novel groups such as quinoa and lentils. You will work as part of the 11-person Farm & Countryside team. On a daily basis you will be doing hands-on work alongside our arable Farm Worker to establish, grow, harvest and sell our crops, herbal leys and deliver our Higher Level Stewardship commitments.

You'll be driving tractors, so a drivers licence will be needed.

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, commonly known simply as the National Trust, is an independent charity and membership organisation for environmental and heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is the largest conservation charity in the United Kingdom.

What you'll be doing:You’ll be working with your Trust Line Manager/ Mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, as part of the wider team, and working outdoors in all weathers. You’ll attend, and prepare for, monthly review meetings with your Provider Mentor and be accountable for your progression concerning the Apprenticeship Standard. You’ll be required to complete and upload relevant evidence to the appropriate e-portfolio system to document your progress and maintain timesheets for Off-the-Job training. You’ll abide by the Trust’s ways of working and uphold our Values and Behaviours. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning courses and training and prepare for exams if applicable. You’ll need to attend six block weeks of training at our nominated college for your garden, with all travel, food and accommodation costs covered.

Please also read the complete role profile attached to this advert.

Who we're looking forApplications will be assessed against the below criteria, as well as the content of your cover letter

The minimum standards required for this role are:

· Team player with the ability to work independently or as part of a wider team

· Keen to learn, be committed to self-development and enthusiastic about acquiring new skills

· A genuine passion for farming, nature and the outdoors

· Good attention to detail

· 5 GCSEs at grades C/4 including English and maths or equivalent and 2 A levels or equivalent

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice