Breeding (Crop) Technician Apprentice

Introduction

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Breeding (Crop) Technician Apprentice to join our breeding team Crop technician / Skills England. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant breeding while studying towards a recognised Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship.

About the Employer

Elsoms is one of the UK's leading plant breeding and agricultural research companies. We develop innovative vegetable varieties that help growers meet the challenges of tomorrow

What You'll Do

• Assist in the planning, organisation and preparation of breeding trials, stock seed and productions
• Help with the drilling, planting and maintenance of trials
• Assist with all aspects of trials from drilling to selections
• Undertake glasshouse work including the sowing, growing and transplanting of plants
• Assist with the set-up of glasshouses and maintain the growth and health of plants, while maintaining cleanliness and high levels of hygiene within glasshouses and tunnels
• Maintain equipment and facilities associated with the department where necessary
• Assist with the production of high quality seed
• Assist with the bud pollination, crossing and bagging of plants Help with the organising, procuring, and development of biological pollinators and predators
• Assist with the drying, harvesting, cleaning, weighing and packeting of seeds
• Keep accurate crop and maintenance records from both field trials and in the glasshouse and accurately input information onto database. Prepare relevant protocols and keep updated
• Assist with other reasonable requests, to fulfil requirements of the R&D department as required. This may include working in the laboratory functions
• Work independently, without instruction, to ensure the task/function is completed consistently to a high standard
• At all times, maintain Elsoms’ strong Health & Safety culture and practices
• Attend regular meetings to discuss workload, share knowledge, identify and resolve problems and raise any health and safety issues
• Actively contribute to the departmental goals

Training Outcome

This course will support a learner’s workplace development which may include:

• Continuation, development or promotion at work or within this sector
• Progression to Level 4 Agriculture Apprenticeship or Agricultural Management BSc (Hons)

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• accuracy
• Enthusiastic
• Reliable

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4

Course Information

Course: Crop technician (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Full time, Monday to Friday. There will be an expectation to work additional hours during peak harvest time.

Expected Duration: 2 Years 6 Months

Training Provider: CITY COLLEGE NORWICH