We are looking for an apprentice for the 2 year level 3 BDAC work based diploma training scheme for our Community and Estate Garden. 

In 2015 Emerson College re-established its former vegetable garden on half an acre of land which includes 3 glasshouses, next to our apple orchard. Our estate also has a little wood and is Demeter certified.

Emerson College has an onsite community with people of all ages as well as many different courses which bring a lot of life to the campus and opportunity for lots of interesting encounters. The gardens are important for students as a place to recover from day to day stresses and to connect with nature. For the community the vegetable garden has become a community hub.

Our trainee can always join the workshops on BD preparation at Tablehurst and its application on the farm as well as at Emerson College.

The Healing Garden, a partner organization at the college are managing a small part of our estate and have built up a garden in medical herbalism. They offer workshops and the trainee will have the opportunity form time to time to join.

Our kitchen garden sells produce to the onsite community, local shops and supplies the college kitchen where our cooks turn it into delicious meals the same day.

The training will cover:

• Vegetable, herb and flower growing on small estate
• Apples & apple juice
• Wood / coppicing
• Seed saving
• The significance of light root and how to grow and care for it
• Compost management
• Biodynamic preparations
• Working with biodynamic calendar and seasonal rhythms
• Plant propagation
• Green house management
• Soil management
• Sale of produce to local shops and whole sale, to the onsite community and the Emerson kitchen
• Use of tools including scything and small tractor driving

Minimum age is 18 years; you need the right to work in the UK to be offered a place. Starting date is spring 2022. It is possible to stay at Emerson College in a student house with shared facility or to stay in your own accommodation.

If you are interested, please send your CV, a motivation letter and the details of 2 referees to:

Emerson College

Ambika Davies

or email it to bookings@emerson.org.uk