Supporting the Next Generation of Vineyard Talent

At Rathfinny, we are big believers in providing work experience and investing in staff training. As the English sparkling wine industry continues to grow, it’s vital we continue to help up-skill the next generation of winemakers, viticulturists, hospitality professionals and the many roles involved in running a modern wine business. This is particularly important to us as a B Corp, and one of the reasons we sponsored the Rathfinny Research Lab at Plumpton College, which opened in 2014. 

National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to celebrate those behind the scenes and the career pathways that support the industry. In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on our vineyard apprenticeship programme, speaking with Vineyard Manager Ian Bray and current apprentices Erin Shearing and Claudia Godin, about how apprenticeships work in practice and why they matter in modern viticulture. 

Lady looking at vines in the Vineyard
Person holding bunch of Pinot Noir grapes with white plastic glove

What Is National Apprenticeship Week? 

National Apprenticeship Week is a UK-wide celebration of apprenticeships and the vital role they play in developing skills, supporting businesses and creating meaningful careers across every sector. 

For employers, apprenticeships offer a way to invest in people and future-proof specialist roles. For individuals, they provide the chance to learn and gain recognised qualifications in their chosen industry whilst earning.

In a growing sector like English wine, where expertise in sustainable farming, machinery and plant science is important, apprenticeships are becoming a valuable route into vineyard careers. 

Why Apprenticeships Matter in the Modern Vineyard 

Viticulture is both traditional and technical. Vineyard teams must understand soils, vines and seasons, while also operating complex machinery and adapting to changing climate conditions. 

According to our Vineyard Manager Ian Bray, apprenticeships bring valuable breadth to vineyard training, combining academic study with practical experience in the field. 

From plant biology to tractor training, the formal learning complements the day-to-day skills gained while working among the vines, helping apprentices build a well-rounded foundation for long-term careers. 

Rathfinny vineyard view in Sussex South Downs
View across vines in the South Downs

Rathfinny’s Vineyard Apprenticeship Programme 

Rathfinny’s current vineyard apprentices are enrolled on a two-year Level 3 Crop Technician course at Plumpton College. 

Around 20% of their working time is dedicated to study, typically in week-long blocks throughout the year. The programme covers a wide range of agricultural skills, many of which are tailored specifically to vineyards, including: 

  • Tractor driving and implement use 
  • Mechanical vineyard operations 
  • Crop management 
  • Plant biology and growth cycles 
  • Sustainable farming practices 

For Rathfinny, the programme is part of a broader commitment to developing people in the organisation. We’re happy to sponsor their time in education, which benefits us and supports their long-term career aspirations. 

Investing in People – How the Scheme Works 

Apprenticeships are supported through government funding, making them an accessible and effective way for businesses to train staff while maintaining full-time employment. 

Ian explains that the course represents significant educational value, with most of the costs covered, allowing employers to focus on giving apprentices the practical skills and mentorship they need to succeed. 

Lady in vineyard carrying vine bales
Two tractors in a row if vines with an old barn in the background. During harvest.

Meet the Apprentices – Life in the Vineyard 

Our current vineyard apprentices, Erin Shearing and Claudia Godin, work year-round across Rathfinny’s single-site vineyard, experiencing every stage of the vine’s life cycle – from winter pruning through to harvest. 

They’ve been developing skills in machinery operation, vineyard maintenance and crop monitoring, while also studying the science behind what makes a great vineyard thrive. 

Erin Shearing said, “Working at Rathfinny has opened a career path that I never would have thought about before. I have been given so many opportunities to learn new skills. I’ve learnt independence, teamwork skills and confidence.”

“Agricultural apprenticeships are a great thing to do, definitely worth your time. They’re a great chance to expand your knowledge, you’ll learn so many skills, and skills that are globally useful, which opens the door to many opportunities.”

Building the Future of English Wine 

As the English wine industry continues to expand, the need for skilled viticulture professionals has never been greater. 

By supporting vineyard apprenticeships, Rathfinny is playing its part in shaping the future of sustainable winemaking in Sussex – investing in people who will help steward the land, protect biodiversity and craft exceptional wines for decades to come. 

National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate those journeys and to recognise the dedication it takes to grow a career among the vines. 

Interested in a Career at Rathfinny? 

If you’re passionate about working outdoors, interested in viticulture and keen to build a long-term career in wine, keep an eye on our careers page and news updates for future opportunities at Rathfinny. 

For those interested in winemaking, each year we also take on Wine Production Interns.

 

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