Agriculture - Mixed Farming, Crop Production & Livestock Apprenticeship

Introduction to the trade:

This apprenticeship is ideal for people who have some previous experience of the farming industry and combines lectures and project work with employment experience.

There is a strong demand for highly trained, educated and well motivated young people to enter the industry. Career opportunities are diverse, there are approximately 200 different career areas within agriculture including farm management, quality control and overseeing the export of goods. These are not just limited to the UK; the US and New Zealand are also facing a shortage of skilled staff.

As an apprentice, the nature of your work will depend on your employer. Working for a small company could mean you handle a wide range of responsibilities - alternatively, working for a large company might mean you have a more specialised role. Skills taught could include preparing and cultivating sites for planting crops; operating a tractor, harvesting and storing crops, maintaining vehicles and machines. You may also work with livestock, learning how to look after them, selection and breeding, how to load and unload animals, maintain their health and welfare, etc.

Apprenticeships are a well respected and recommended route into this sector. Read on to find out more...

What qualifications will I gain?

There are two levels of apprenticeship available, the Intermediate Level 2 and the Advanced Level 3. You would start with the Intermediate apprenticeship which takes 2 years to complete and can then progress to the level 3 if you wish.

Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)

• Work based Diploma Level 2 in Agriculture, Mixed Farming and Livestock - this is the competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires.
• Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
• Functional Skills - Providing you with a good level of literacy and numeracy. Level 1 English, and Level 1 maths

Advanced Apprentice (Level 3)

• Work based Diploma Level 3 in Agriculture, Mixed Farming and Livestock - this is the competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires.
• Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
• Functional Skills - Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths

How will I be trained?

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.

As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HCT. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. All the things you study at college will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will take place through practical training at college and work and via theory through a portfolio of evidence. Work-based assessments are also carried out.

What are the entry requirements?

Intermediate Apprenticeship

• You would normally be expected to have 4 GCSEs at grade E or above (including maths and English), or a relevant vocational qualification at Level 1 or above.
• Those applicants without formal qualifications but who can evidence substantial and relevant sector work experience will also be considered.
• All applicants are offered a place subject to satisfactory interview and an initial assessment in maths and English.

Advanced Apprenticeship

• You would normally be expected to have 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (including maths and English), or a relevant vocational qualification at Level 2 or above.
• Those applicants without formal qualifications but who can evidence substantial and relevant sector work experience will also be considered.
• All applicants are offered a place subject to satisfactory interview and an initial assessment in maths and English.

Key Facts

Campus: Holme Lacy

Minimum Age: 16

Duration: An Intermediate Apprenticeship will take 2 years and an Advanced Apprenticeship will take an additional 18 months.

Typical Employment:
From the Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship opportunities may include; farm worker, tractor driver, stock person,

From the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship opportunities may include; section head for sheep or beef, agricultural machinery operator, assistant farm manager, livestock technician, supervisor/charge hand/Shepherd or enterprise manager

Further Study:
Level 3 Work based Diploma or Extended Diploma - progressing to higher education such as an HNC/HND or Foundation Degree.

Contact: 0800 032 1986