Course Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the operation of farm enterprises through maintaining a culture of health and safety, biosecurity, engaging with third parties, maintaining crop, animal handling and health, maintenance and cleanliness of machinery. The General Farm Worker will typically be required to drive farm vehicles and must hold the appropriate licence. The individual will work alongside the supervisor, supporting daily operations including identifying and maintaining animal or plant health performance, conducting routine tasks and assisting with general record keeping practices. The individual will manage the storage of forage and crop, minimising waste and disposing of necessary waste appropriately. Animal welfare and risk awareness and prevention are integral to this occupation.
What will I learn?
The apprenticeship will help you to develop key areas around knowledge, skills and behaviours, in order to prepare for your end-point assessment.
Skills
• Identify hazards and risks in the workplace
• Legally operate a farm vehicle and attachment
• Assist with caring for livestock during the reproductive cycle
• Monitor the growth and development of crops
Knowledge
• Animal welfare requirements and signs of health
• Good environmental, social and economic practice
• Different types of technology and systems used
• Feed, nutritional and water requirements of livestock
• Crop growth
• Soil sampling
Behaviours
• High standard of welfare and biosecurity
• Proactively undertakes CPD
• Teamwork
• Communication
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The General Farm Worker apprenticeship will provide teaching towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will then work towards an end-point assessment; this includes a portfolio of evidence supported by a multiple-choice test, observation with questions and a professional discussion. Successful EPA can result in a Pass or Distinction grade.
You will attend college only one day a week during term time. You will be supported by your tutor to prepare for your end-point assessment with regular 1-2-1 visits and progress reviews. All apprentices will need to document 20% off-the-job training.
Whilst on the apprenticeship you will be offered added value courses such as:
• Telehandler
• ATV
Entry Requirements
• 2 GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, to include English and maths. (English and maths Functional Skills (or equivalent) at Level 2 are also acceptable).
• A keen interest in agriculture.
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
If you don’t have an employer, you can still apply for an apprenticeship directly - check out our latest apprenticeship vacancies here: https://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/information/apprenticeship-faqs/apprenticeship-vacancies
What Could I Do Next?
Apprentices can progress to the Livestock Technician Level 3 apprenticeship standard.
