Course Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to operationally manage the livestock-related tasks on the farm, such as animal health and welfare from conception and birth through to the customer, and to support business productivity. The individual will make key decisions on a day-to-day basis to ensure the protection of their own health and safety and of others. This includes ensuring the standards of cross-compliance, farm assurance, biosecurity and infrastructure security are met. The Livestock Technician will usually only work with one species. The role will include the safe use and maintenance of farm vehicles. The individual will be required to understand, record and meet the business Key Performance Indicators that are set out by the employer.
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
• Maintain, analyse and utilise production records
• Use the most appropriate technology or digital system
• Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments
• Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer
Knowledge
• Health and Safety processes and practices relevant to livestock management
• Breeding and production cycles for commonly farmed livestock
• The different types of technology and systems used in livestock production
• How to prepare and implement health and welfare plans and schedules
• Impact of farm working practices on social, economic and environmental sustainability
Behaviours
• High standard of welfare and biosecurity
• Proactively undertakes CPD
• Teamwork
• Communication
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The Livestock Technician 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 C/4 or above, to include English and maths. (English and maths Functional Skills (or equivalent) at Level 2 are also acceptable).
• Level 2 Agricultural qualification.
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 Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 apprenticeship standard.
