Trainee Area Manager

Fruit & Nut Village plans to expand operations to include more parts of the city in its work. The current four “Fruit & Nut Villages” based in South Birmingham are soon set to be joined by new neighbourhoods in East Birmingham. Investment in these areas is planned to increase over the coming years with additional staff, resources and partnerships being brought to this part of the city. By 2040 the charity hopes to be operating across the entire city of Birmingham. 

This opportunity is aimed towards 16 to 30 year olds wishing to improve their employability in the field of community food-growing.

The purpose of these roles is to train two individuals in community organising, the safe management of community greenspace sessions and perennial food-growing techniques. These roles are offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis. Subject to organisational needs, funding and performance, we hope that successful trainees will have the opportunity to continue their journey with Fruit & Nut Village beyond the initial training period.

We are especially interested in hearing from people living in areas of Birmingham where community food-growing is not already taking place or is only taking place at a low level, such as individuals living in “East Birmingham” as defined by Birmingham City Council.

Through a combination of hands-on experience, mentoring and training, trainees will develop their skills in the following, plus other, areas:

Fruit tree planting, fruit tree pruning, fruit tree grafting, other plant propagation techniques, forest garden management, sheet mulching and other ground preparation techniques, community engagement, health and safety, supporting community members in their lives, safe tool use and volunteer management.