General FAQs
Who can I contact if I have a question about my application?
If you need support with your application, please email recruitment@acgoatham.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Can I apply for more than one job at the same time?
Yes, if you see multiple roles that match your skills and interests, you’re welcome to apply for them.
What benefits do you offer employees?
We provide a competitive package; details of which you can find on the ‘Why work for us’ page. Further details will be shared during the recruitment process.
Do you offer training and development?
Yes. We’re committed to helping our people grow. Many of our team members have progressed into new roles through training and internal development opportunities.
What is the recruitment process like for a permanent role?
After applying, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a telephone interview. If you are shortlisted past this stage, you’ll then be invited to attend a face-to-face interview. Some roles may also involve an assessment. Please refer to our Seasonal Work FAQ’s for seasonal positions as the process is very different.
Do you offer seasonal or part-time work?
Yes. Alongside permanent roles, we often have seasonal opportunities during peak harvest times, as well as part-time roles in certain areas.
Where are your jobs based?
Most of our roles are based across Kent and Medway, close to our orchards, packhouses, and offices. The job description will confirm the location.
Where are your jobs based?
Most of our roles are based across Kent and Medway, close to our orchards, packhouses, and offices. The job description will confirm the location.
Do you offer seasonal or part-time work?
Yes. Alongside permanent roles, we often have seasonal opportunities during peak harvest times, as well as part-time roles in certain areas.
Where are your jobs based?
Most of our roles are based across Kent and Medway, close to our orchards, packhouses, and offices. The job description will confirm the location.
What types of roles are available?
We employ people in over xx different jobs, covering everything from orchard and farm work, to engineering, logistics, administration, and management.
Do I need previous experience to apply?
Not always. Some roles require specific skills or qualifications, but many positions include full training. Each job advert will outline the experience needed.
How do I apply for a role at A C Goatham & Son?
All our current vacancies are listed on our website. Simply click on the role you’re interested in and follow the instructions to submit your application online.
Farm FAQs
Farm Example
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Office FAQs
Office Example
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Production FAQs
Do you provide transport to the site?
If you decide to occupy a room in our company accommodation, free transport is provided to and from the campsites. If you choose to live in your own accommodation, it would be your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements.
Do you provide accommodation?
Yes, we offer the option of living in our company accommodation. This usually consists of shared caravans where colleagues live together. Rent is charged weekly and is supported by a government offset, making it affordable. Please note, there is no obligation to live in company accommodation in order to work with us.
What progression opportunities are there?
Many of our supervisors and managers started in production roles. With training and experience, there are opportunities to progress into quality control, team leadership, or technical positions.
What training will I receive?
All new starters receive induction training covering health and safety, food hygiene, and role-specific tasks. Ongoing training and opportunities to develop new skills are also available.
What are the working conditions like?
Production work can take place in different areas, including the packhouse, cold stores, yard, dispatch, and gatehouse. The environment may be cool to help keep fruit fresh, and some roles involve working outdoors. Tasks often include standing for long periods and carrying out manual handling or other physical work, although in some roles you may also spend part of your time at a desk within the production environment. Full protective clothing and equipment are provided.
Where are production jobs based?
Our production roles are mainly based at our Head Office in Hoo. The exact location will be included in the job description.
Is this seasonal or year-round work?
Many production roles are available all year round on a permanent basis. We rarely offer seasonal opportunities within our packhouse.
What hours will I be expected to work?
Production roles often include shift work to meet demand. This may involve early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Shift patterns and hours will be detailed in the job advert.
Do I need previous experience?
Some of our roles are entry level; full details will be available on our job adverts. Full training is provided when you start, including health and safety guidance. For technical or supervisory roles, relevant experience may be needed.
What does a Production role involve?
Production roles cover different areas including our packhouses, yard, dispatch, and gatehouse, where fruit is graded, packed, and prepared for delivery to our customers. Depending on the role, tasks may include working on production lines, checking product quality, operating machinery, or driving equipment such as pallet trucks, reach trucks, shunters, and forklifts.
Transport FAQs
Transport Example
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Seasonal FAQs
How do I apply?
We work with four different scheme operators who can help you to apply for your seasonal worker visa. These are Proforce, Concordia, Agri-HR and Fruitful Jobs. Please note, this is the only way to be able to potentially work with us if you require a seasonal worker visa as we do not sponsor candidates directly. We cannot guarantee you a placement but would welcome you to reach out to any of the four scheme operators to register your interest in working with us.
If you have the right to work in the UK, you are welcome to apply directly here. Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that if you do not have the right to work in the UK or your application has not been successful, we will not be able to reply to each candidate individually.
What happens if I need medical attention?
We understand trying to get medical support in the UK can be daunting if you are arriving from another company. We have teamed up with an organisation that entitles you to free counselling support and a free GP service (either over the phone or via video call). Alternatively, we can help you to register with a local GP if you prefer. We also have trained first aiders working alongside you on the farms.
What training will be given?
When you first arrive with us you’ll receive your induction training. When out in the field, you’ll receive training on the job with your Gang Supervisor.
How much will I be paid?
Seasonal work is paid in line with the National Living Wage, which is currently £12.21 per hour. In addition to this, we operate a ‘bin price’ scheme, meaning the more you pick or produce, the more you can earn! Our bin prices vary according to weather and crop conditions and would be communicated with you before starting work for that day.
When you arrive in the UK, we can help you with setting up a bank account if you haven’t already got one. We are paid fortnightly, on a Tuesday. Holiday and sick pay are paid in line with UK employment legislation.
What other items shall I bring with me?
When you arrive, you need to bring evidence of your right to work in the UK (visa) and your identification documents. If you have worked in the UK before, we will need your National Insurance Number. Also if you have already set up a bank account, please bring the details of this with you.
In terms of physical items, please bring toiletries, towels, a duvet and sheets for your bed.
You will be given a key for your accommodation, and there will be cutlery, cooking utensils and glassware for you to use.
If you are arriving late in the day we advise you bringing some food and drinks with you. Whilst our transport team will take you to the local supermarket on your day of arrival, we cannot guarantee that it’ll be open if you arrive very late and therefore may be taken the following morning instead.
What clothes should I bring?
Please bring your normal clothes but bear in mind the weather is unpredictable so layers may be the best option. We also advise you bring a coat.
All mandatory personal protective clothing (PPE) is provided free of charge which you can put on over top of your usual clothes.
Is accommodation available?
Yes, we have campsites based at a number of our farms in the Kent area. Each caravan accommodates up to 6 occupants. Please note, that whilst we try out best to accommodate friends and families together, we cannot always guarantee this. We also cannot guarantee that you’ll be allocated the same caravan as the previous year if you have worked with us before.
Each caravans are equipped with a cooker, kettle, toaster, fridge and freezer as well as washroom and toilet facilities. The campsites have communal laundry facilities.
Please note, we supply cutlery and glassware but you do need to bring your own towels, duvet and bedsheets.
The cost of accommodation is currently £74.62 (which is reviewed annually).
On your first day of arrival, you’ll be checked into your caravan and you will then be offered the opportunity to take a trip to a local supermarket where you can purchase food and necessities.
Where will I be based?
Our farms are based in various locations in Kent in the UK. If you choose to stay in our accommodation, you will be based at one of our campsites on our farms. Please note, you will be working at various farms throughout your time with us and therefore will be required to travel from farm to farm on our free company bus.