According to a statement released by the Oxfordshire country house yesterday, the role has already attracted 33 applications ahead of interviews taking place over the coming weeks.

Current apprentice Tom Pritchard-Pitts (above, right) is nearing the end of his tenure, having helped train Jess, a sheepdog puppy, and assist with the birth of a record 5,000 new lambs onto the Estate.

The shepherding apprentice is part of a 10-year plan that will see Blenheim offer up to 10 apprenticeships each year, with the goal of having trained more than 100 apprentices by 2027.

Apprenticeships, which start throughout the year and are open to anyone who is over the age of 16 and has completed secondary education, are available for a variety of roles within the Estate’s businesses including marketing, gardens, maintenance, operations, game and retail.

Apprentices are assigned their own personal mentor and ‘buddy’ who is available to give support, advice and training, and will also receive on-the-job paid experience. Successful candidates can gain additional qualifications as well as get help with CVs, interviews and career choices as part of their training.

At the end of their programme successful apprentices attend an awards ceremony with their families in Blenheim Palace.

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