Apprenticeships in
Agriculture
An ideal opportunity to ‘earn as you learn’. You’ll combine paid work on a farm with studying one day a week at Reaseheath.
You will learn technical skills and continue to build on your existing experience and knowledge whilst specialising in either livestock production or mixed farming.
If you are not currently employed in the industry, we may be able to help you link with an employer, or help you to find an apprenticeship.
What will I study?
- Animal health
- Nutrition
- Handling
- Farm machinery
- Forage crops and grassland
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional qualifications
- Breeding and genetics (dairy option only)
- Dairy mechanisation (dairy option only)
- Soil science (mixed farming option only)
- Crop production (mixed farming option only)
How long will it take?
- 12 to 24 months depending on previous experience (1 day per week)
What qualifications do I need to start?
- Preferably GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English and Maths
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Agriculture
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Crop Technician or Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Stockperson
- Additional training is provided in a number of disciplines
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
Career options
- Farm manager
- Commercial sales representative
- Herds manager
- Self-employed contractor
What will I study?
- Welfare of livestock
- Animal husbandry
- Crop husbandry
- Machinery and equipment
- Farm records
- Maintenance of farm structures
- Health and safety
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
- You will have the opportunity to work towards additional qualifications in veterinary medicine and telehandler operation
How long will it take?
- 18 to 24 months depending on previous experience (1 day per week)
What qualifications do I need to start?
- Preferably GCSEs at grade 2 or above including English and Maths
What qualifications will I gain?
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Stockperson
- Additional training is provided in veterinary medicine and telehandler operation
- Functional Skills or GCSE in English and Maths depending on previous qualifications
Course options after this programme
Career options
- Assist in running family farm
- Herdsperson or stock person
- Tractor driver
You will have the chance to work towards additional NPTC qualifications, including:
- PA1 and PA2
- All terrain vehicle
- Veterinary medicine
- Transportation of livestock
- Farm health and safety
How much will this course cost?
Apprenticeships are funded through government and employer contributions. If you are:
- 16-18 working for a small business (<50) your training will be fully funded*
- 19+ or working for a Medium size business (50+) an employer contribution may be required
- Working for a large business or organisation (Payroll of £3m+) you training funded from your employers Digital Apprenticeship Service Account
*small businesses who employ an apprentice between 16-18 may be eligible to receive a financial government incentive
Transport
Our college buses pick up over 1,400 students each day from a wide area. From September 2018 all college bus routes to Reaseheath will be FREE. To find a bus route near you visit the transport pages on our website.
How do I apply?
If you have an employer and you would like to apply for an apprenticeship you can apply now online. You can also view our live vacancies or complete an online enquiry form and a member of the apprenticeship team will contact you.
For a step by step guide on the application process visit the how to apply pages on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more information about becoming an apprentice or employing an apprentice by visiting our website.
Student Profile
Jack Vaughan
Ambition: Farm manager
School: Malbank School and Sixth Form College
Age: 19
A fourth generation farmer, Jack eventually wants to take over the management of his family’s dairy farm.
He already helps his father run their herd of 300 Holstein Friesians and is involved in discussions about future introduction of new technology such as robotic milking.
Jack previously did a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair with us and has found his engine technology skills useful when he’s working with tractors. Now that he’s decided his career lies in farm management he’s continued to study as an agricultural apprentice and comes into college one day a week. He plans to take his qualifications further by studying for a degree or other higher level course.
During his apprenticeship he’s learned about accounts and management and other useful subjects such as animal health and farm diversification. He’s also seen how we operate our own dairy and commercial sheep and pig units.
Jack says: “I find the course topics are very helpful. But the best thing about coming to college is that it encourages you to be forward thinking. You listen to other people, compare notes and come up with new ideas.”