Are you passionate about nature, wine, and hands-on learning? We’re a small, family-run vineyard dedicated to growing English grapes and crafting high-quality still wines and we’re looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Vineyard Assistant to join our team.
Since planting our first vines in May 2020, we’ve grown to over 25,000 vines across Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris. Our first harvest in 2022 was a true community celebration, yielding 9.5 tonnes of hand-picked grapes. In 2023, we proudly released our debut vintage, a range of still red and white wines that marked the beginning of our winemaking journey.
This is a unique opportunity to learn the ins and outs of vineyard life, working alongside a passionate team in a beautiful setting.
As this is an apprenticeship, you will attend Plumpton College for your learning through block release, where you will study for a week at a time (5 times throughout the year). We will pay for the cost of transportation to Plumpton College alongside the cost of the meals and accommodation whilst at college.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 08:00am to 17:00pm. Some overtime will be needed at harvest times.
Salary: £15,704 per year
Application deadline: 8th September 2025
About the Employer
Warehorne Vineyard is a family-run vineyard dedicated to growing exceptional English grapes and producing quality still wines, including English Red Wine. Founded in 2020, situated in the village of Warehorne and is spread across 10.2 hectares, the vineyard has become a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and nature come together to create something truly special in the Kentish Countryside. We grow Pinot Noir, Divico, Cabernet Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris.
What will the apprentice be doing?
Day to day work will vary depending on the season, but will include:
- vine pruning, harvesting, tucking in, canopy management, leaf thinning
- vineyard upkeep & maintenance
- offering vineyard tours to visitors
- supervision of seasonal contract workers during peak seasons
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
Viticulture or wine growing is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes.
Duties of the viticulturist include monitoring and controlling pests and diseases, fertilising, irrigation, canopy management, monitoring fruit development and characteristics, harvest decisions, and vine pruning during the winter months.
Viticulturists are often closely involved with winemakers, because vineyard management and the resulting grape characteristics provide the basis from which winemaking can begin.
The role requires self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player to complete tasks safely and efficiently. A lot of time is spent outdoors in all weathers, so resilience and drive are imperative to be successful.
The course will also incorporate a range of competency certificates, such as first aid and pesticide application.
What apprentices will learn
- Pest & disease management
- Yield forecasting & management
- Pruning & trellising
- Canopy management
- Vineyard floor management
- Vineyard establishment
- Harvest planning and management
- Vineyard nutrition
- Health & safety and standard operating procedures
- Vineyard machinery & equipment
- Qualifications Awarded
- Apprenticeship Certificate
- Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work
- Level 2 in Maths and English (if applicable)
- PA1 Safe use of pesticides (pre requisite of PA3)
- PA3 Air assisted sprayer
Delivery model
- 10 weekly blocks of teaching split between the main campus and the College’s Rock Lodge Vineyard.
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
The apprentice would have the potential to become a full time employee with potential progression pathways on the farm.
Desired skills and personal qualities
- Communication skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Things to consider
- Having access to your own transport is highly recommended due to rural location of vineyard.
- Much of the work is outside in all weathers. The work itself will be quite physical. During peak season, early starts will be required. Being prepared for this is important.
- You MUST not be in any other form of full-time or part time formal education (such as school, college or university) to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. Shorter course may not apply.
- You MUST have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and be eligible to work in the UK.
- You MUST be located in an area local to the apprenticeship or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study.
- This apprenticeship is approximately 24 months.
Job Type: Apprenticeship
Pay: £15,704.00 per year
Application question(s):
- What attracted you to this role?
- Do you hold a full UK driving license? If yes, do you have a car?
Work Location: In person
