Interviews: w/c 7th September 2026
Start Date: The position runs from w/c 2nd November 2026 to 25th March 2027.
HQ Location: Abbess Roding, Ongar CM5
Working Locations: Travel from HQ in company vehicles to sites up to 1hr 20mins away
Paid Commercial Hedgelaying Programme – Essex
Get paid to learn one of Britain's most respected countryside trades while working on commercial hedge laying projects across Essex and the South East.
At HedgeLife, we're investing in the next generation of professional hedge layers. We're looking for hardworking, reliable people who want more than just a job—we're looking for people with the ambition to become the Team Leaders of future hedge laying seasons.
About the Programme
Our five-month Paid Commercial Hedge Laying Programme combines real on-site experience with professional training. You'll work alongside experienced hedge layers on commercial projects while developing the technical skills, confidence and leadership qualities needed to progress within our business.
This isn't work experience—it's a paid opportunity to start a long-term career.
You’ll gain qualifications in:
- Chainsaw cross-cutting and maintenance
- Forestry First Aid
- Bronze Level 1 Hedge Laying Assessment
You'll receive training in:
- Commercial hedge laying
- Hedge planting and coppicing
- Safe working practices and site management
- Teamwork, communication and leadership skills
Who We're Looking For
We want people who:
- Enjoy working outdoors in all weathers.
- Take pride in hard work and producing quality results.
- Want to learn a skilled trade with long-term career prospects.
- Are reliable, motivated and eager to develop.
- Have the ambition to progress into Team Leader roles in future hedge laying seasons.
No previous experience is required. We can teach the skills—we're looking for the right attitude.
More Than a Job
As our business continues to grow, we're committed to developing our own people from within. Successful trainees will have the opportunity to progress into experienced hedge layers and, ultimately, lead their own teams on commercial projects across the region.
If you're looking for a paid career where your hard work is recognised, your skills are valued and your future has real progression, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay
This is a paid position with rate of pay depending on the applicant’s relevant skills and experience.
Contract dates
The position runs from 02 November 2026 to 25 March 2027.
Working hours
Normal working hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
This is 9 paid hours per day, including a paid one-hour break.
Applicant age
Applicants must be 18 years old or over and hold a Full UK Driving Licence.
To apply please email a CV and Cover letter to [email protected].
Pay: £12.71-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Abbess Roding CM5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
