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.
Who are Thatchers Cider?
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.
Why choose a Next Generation Apprenticeship at Thatchers?
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, to 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 out 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
What will I be doing?
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.
Find out more about the family who have perfected the craft of cider making, over four generations.