Thatchers, the family cider-maker with its home in Sandford, is once again opening its doors for apprentices to join its Young Talent Programme in September.

With opportunities within both its Cider and Brand Academies, Thatchers is looking for motivated people to join its growing family.

Since it was introduced three years ago, 19 young people have undertaken the Young Talent apprenticeship programme, from cider-makers and technicians, to marketeers, customer service and orchard specialists.

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (February 8 to 14) this year, instead of a Careers Open Day at Myrtle Farm, those interested in learning more about a future at Thatchers will be offered a series of videos and virtual presentations so potential applicants can get a feel for working at Myrtle Farm and undertaking an apprenticeship.

The first event is a virtual careers fair taking place on Thursday February 18 between 4pm and 6pm.

More details can be found at the Thatchers website here.

Harriet Waldron, a Brand Apprentice who now works full time at Thatchers, said: "I would absolutely recommend an apprenticeship here at Thatchers.

"It's a great place to develop and grow as a person and you'll gain real autonomy.

"You really are valued and treated as a member of the team from day one. You are trusted to support team members, learn from them and build up trust."

Brand Apprentice Rose Stitch said: "Coming out of sixth form and going out into the world of work felt quite daunting, but Thatchers have really helped with the transition and have helped to bring out the best in me."

Luke Grindle, who has followed the Cider Academy, said: "Thatchers is a company that challenges you to think for yourself and to use your initiative but learn from any mistakes.

"Apprenticeships open opportunities that you didn't even know existed."

Tom Cross has also followed the Cider Academy. He said: "I wanted to gain hands-on experience in a role that had variety to learn new skills.

"I didn't want to join a big corporate company or scheme, so this was perfect for me."

Thatchers Cider currently employs 200 people, and is growing year on year.

Emma Cox, who oversees the Thatchers Young Talent programme, said: "We're always looking for remarkable and motivated people to join our Thatchers family.

"We know it's a big decision to take your first steps into a career, and at Thatchers we will give you all the training, support and development you need to succeed.

"What we ask in return is hard-work, trust and for you to share the same enthusiasm and passion for our cider and business as we do.

"Despite not being able to hold a careers day at Myrtle Farm this year, we hope that applicants will get a real feel for life here through the virtual events we are putting on.

"As a company we're so proud of our Somerset roots. We're committed to investment in our facilities here in Sandford, which is why all our ciders are made and packaged here.

"That leads to a wide variety in roles – from being part of our farm team, to a cider-maker; from engineers to sales executives; from finance to customer service.

"Students who have completed their apprenticeship with us at Thatchers have also gone on to gain higher qualifications to help them even further in their roles."

This year Thatchers is offering four vacancies for September 2021 within its Cider and Brand Academies, leading to a Level 2 Food and Drink Process Operator, and a Level 3 Customer Service Specialist.

Thatchers works with Bridgwater and Taunton College, and Weston College, to develop and implement the apprenticeship programme.

The Thatchers apprenticeship programme has won a string of awards since it was set up three years ago.

The company is a firm supporter of the government's National Apprenticeship programme, with National Apprenticeship Week taking place from February 8 to 14.

Emma said: "Apprentices get a win-win – real work, in a real company, and a guaranteed salary.

"From our side as an employer we get to see a fresh injection of talent, keen, inquisitive people bursting with new ideas.

"Our apprentices make a real difference to our business – they work, collaborate and learn. We can't wait to welcome new members to the team this September."