2024 CERESRURAL GRADUATESCHEME
REQUIREMENTSTHE REMUNERATIONTHE
Minimum 2.1 degree, which does not need to relate to the rural industry
– we encourage applicants from all backgrounds
Right to work in the UK
Full, clean UK driving license & exclusive access to a car
Fluent written & spoken English
English & Maths GCSE, minimum grade 4
Previous experience in / knowledge of agriculture advantageous, but not essential
Thirst for knowledge and drive to work hard and succeed, but without compromising team-first mentality
Starting salary of £25,000, plus car allowance, discretionary bonus & benefits, including:
25 days holiday, plus bank holidays. You will qualify for one additional day for every two years of service, up to a max of 30 days.
Guaranteed Christmas ‘shut down’ period
Pension contributions
Corporate merchandise/clothing
Training & examination funding
Use of modern technology, including iPhone & laptop
Corporate membership to the AICC and NIAB
SCHEMETHE
Length: 3 years
Start date: Flexible
Contract type: Permanent
Location:
Whilst we have a responsible approach to flexible working, due to the nature of hands-on training & experience required, you will be expected to attend a Ceres Rural office regularly. We expect you will be largely based out of one Ceres Rural office, although movement between offices is possible. The offices are Saffron Walden, Chelmsford, Oxford, Norwich & Shrewsbury.
&TRAININGTHEROLE
The Ceres Rural Graduate Scheme is designed to give individuals a wellrounded and thorough start in rural consultancy. Importantly, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ model, and we will endeavour to provide graduates access to the training and development required for their specific needs and goals. That said, there are some elements of training which are encouraged, or expected, including:
Participation in BASIS and FACTS training and examinations. This is funded by Ceres Rural and, upon successful completion and qualification, facilitates a discretionary pay rise.
Participation in external course training (funded) for:
Report writing
Time management
Presentation skills
Participation in internal training for:
Agronomy
Farm management
Farm finance / accounting
Access to other industry-relevant training and qualifications can be organised, e.g. CAAV, and attendance at industry shows and further learning events which will bolster your knowledge will be encouraged.
The role will provide you with experience-led training, supported by a seasoned consultant or Partner. You will not just be office-based, you will be encouraged to have ‘boots on the ground’, going out to farms and understanding the scope of work involved, whilst growing your overall knowledge bank.
You will be expected to participate in client-facing meetings and events, and produce client work, from day one. All of course with the support of your line manager or team.
The variety of work you will experience in your three years is designed to be broad, such that you are able to identify your strengths and be provided with a solid grounding and understanding of rural consultancy. This grounding will act as a platform from which to springboard your career in the path you choose, whether that be generalist or specialist.
Your line manager will be a senior, experienced member of the business, who will be the overall guide to your work responsibilities and routine. However, you will also be provided with a mentor – another senior member of the business in a separate reporting line to your team. Your mentor is designed to act as a sounding board for your career.
Finally, you will be provided with a ‘buddy’. Your buddy will be a current or previous graduate, who will help you navigate the working world, and more specifically rural consultancy and the Ceres Rural business.
Once you progress into year three of your graduate scheme, you will have the opportunity to become a buddy yourself, helping to develop your people management skills and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Culturally, we champion an integrated, encouragement-based feedback model to ensure everyone is energised by their work. We also celebrate and socialise as a team, with twice yearly whole company events, plus office outings in between.
THE
APPLICATION
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to allpartners@ceresrural.co.uk. Please ensure you meet the requirements of the scheme before applying.
After reviewing your application, those successful will be invited for a telephone conversation about their application and competencies.
Following this, you may be invited for a face-to-face interview to meet your prospective line manager. During this interview, you will discuss the detail of your experience, and you will also be asked to provide a short presentation about your career ambitions and interests. A short second interview is likely to be required.
Ceres Rural is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other basis covered by law. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
