This is an apprenticeship type role

HedgeLife / CPRE Hampshire

Hedge Laying Trainee, Essex

Location & Hours: Essex/Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire, base at Abbess Roding, 40hrs+ per week
Pay: National Living Wage (may be reviewed depending on experience)

Start date in early November 2023 until end of March 2024 (5 months)

As part of our Hedgerow Heroes project, CPRE Hampshire, in partnership with HedgeLife's professional hedge layers in Essex, are running a 5-month traineeship in the traditional craft of hedge laying. The traineeships will also include hedge planting and coppice management.

The position is designed for someone who has a genuine interest in a career in hedge laying, with some outdoor practical working experience.

As part of the traineeship you will receive training in:

• Hedge laying
• Hedge planting
• Coppice management
• Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting qualification (NPTC/LANTRA) (PPE provided)
• Bronze Level 1 Hedge Laying qualification (LANTRA)

Main Responsibilities and tasks:

Working in small, friendly team and receiving full training in hedge laying and getting plenty of experience. Learning to do prep work, laying cuts, staking and binding.

Additionally, some hedge planting jobs/coppice management (average approx. 1 day per week).

Complete a portfolio or workbook. This will provide a record of work carried out and consolidate on-the-job learning.

Personal Requirements:

• Aged 18-30 years old (flexible), living / working in England
• Not holding any previous qualifications or accreditation in hedge laying (contact us if unsure)
• Serious about starting a rural career (evidenced through previous experience, training, hobbies, volunteering, etc.)
• Happy to work outside in all weathers, providing own outdoor clothing and waterproofs if required
• Reliable, self-motivated, and keen to learn new skills
• Able to follow procedures and instructions, paying attention to detail
• Able to work with a range of people, including customers, business contacts, and the public
• Good at working as part of a team, and on their own
• Able to provide their own transport to their place of work

If you are interested in applying then please email CPRE Hampshire's Hedgerow Project Officer, Ellie Banks at ellie.banks@cprehampshire.org.uk for more information and the application form.

This application will require a completed application form and CV.

Deadline midnight 17/09/23, although all applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may choose to close the applications early if a suitable candidate is selected.

Interviews are likely to be held on 25/09/23 

Closing Date: 17/09/2023  Location: Essex / Hertfordshire / Cambridgeshire (base at Abbess Roding)