Agriculture - Mixed farming & Livestock - Level 2 and 3

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...
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.
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.
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.