Operations Apprentice

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for passionate, driven individuals to join our award-winning Thatchers Talent Programme as an Operations Apprentice.

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 pride in our Somerset roots. We’ve grown significantly thanks to investments in marketing, people development, state-of-the-art technology, and our world-class cider mill. Joining Thatchers as an apprentice means becoming part of a fast-growing, family-run business with opportunities to develop your skills and career.

Why choose an Operations Apprenticeship at Thatchers? You will gain hands-on, practical experience across our packaging and production facilities, including supporting primary process with apple pressing, learning about blending and the fermentation process, and working across our packaging lines. You’ll combine practical, real-world learning with high-quality academic development, receiving training, support and development to succeed.

Starting a Career in Operations & Manufacturing is a big step—and we’re here to help you every step of the way through.

You’ll be based at our home of Myrtle Farm in Somerset, on a full-time basis, completing a Level 3 Food & Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship (delivered by UCS College Group). You will learn everything there is to know about turning apples into the finished products, from pip to pint.

A major part of your apprenticeship will be working on our packing line, using state-of-the-art engineering and technology. You’ll be part of the team responsible for maintaining, operating and fixing production line machinery, while also taking charge of hygiene, waste and health and safety. You’ll also learn the science behind the cider-making process and have the chance to work with our lab technicians and specialist cider experts.

• Understand the full process of making and packaging our cider
• Conduct essential quality control tests
• Operate and maintain state-of-the-art equipment across all 4 production lines
• Develop the technical skills to solve breakdowns
• Work with different teams to ensure timely and efficient production
• This role is based full-time at our home, Myrtle Farm in Somerset and includes shift work as part of the role (days/nights/weekends depending on your age)

You Will Need

• GCSEs in Maths and English grade 4 or above
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• A pro-active, 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

• Confident and great with working as a team
• Motivated and eager to learn
• Passionate about understanding new equipment, processes or technology
• Trustworthy & hardworking
• Pro-active approach

• Above average apprenticeship wage
• Shift bonus available
• Tasty discounts at our cider shop (for those over 18!) and pub, The Railway Inn
• Career development opportunities within a stable, expanding business
• Student discount card
• 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.