Sutton Community Farm’s Growing Traineeship Programme offers practical, work-based learning over a period of two summer seasons and one winter season.
As you learn about organic vegetable production on a community project, you will also receive mentoring and support from an experienced team. The post suits someone looking to develop a career as an organic grower in a community setting on a small-scale commercial farm.
Can anyone apply to the Growing Trainee programme?
Growing Traineeships are open to anyone who is aged 18 and above.
How does it work?
The Growing Traineeship lasts a total of 20 months. This is a part-time position (4 days / week) spent at Sutton Community Farm. The salary for Growing Trainees is the London Living Wage. We strongly recommend that our Trainee studies a City & Guilds Level 2 Horticulture (or equivalent) alongside working with us.
What skills will I develop?
The Trainee will learn the skills required to manage and maintain production, taking on responsibilities over the growing season that include:
- Raising a wide variety of plants from seed
- Covered and field vegetable production
- Managing and improving soil fertility
- Irrigation and water management
- Organic weed, pest and disease identification and management
- The principles of crop rotation
- Harvesting schedules and techniques – including preparing produce for market and principles of grow-to-sell
The Trainee is supported by the Head of Production and provided with resources, reading and key references during the placement to support the key learning objectives.
Sponsor an Trainee
We believe there is a desperate need to invest in farmers for the future. Our Growing Traineeship Programme is providing training for future farmers and addressing the lack of paid training opportunities in urban horticulture. If you or your organisation are interested in sponsoring a Trainee, please contact us.