Course Overview
The Livestock Unit Technician will manage livestock-related tasks on the farm making key decisions on a day-to-day basis to ensure the protection of their own and others’ health and safety. This includes ensuring the standards of cross compliance, farm assurance, biosecurity and infrastructure security are met as well as being required to understand, record and meet the business’ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
What will I learn?
A range of knowledge, skills and behaviours are required from learners to prepare for your End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete this apprenticeship which include:
- Learning the breeding and production cycles for commonly farmed livestock
- Understanding the different types of technology and systems used in livestock production
- Knowing how to prepare and implement health and welfare plans and schedules
- Impact of farm working practices on social, economic and environmental sustainability
- Maintaining, analysing and utilize production records
- Preparing, maintaining and operating farm vehicles and attachments
- Selecting and preparing livestock for sale or transfers
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The Livestock Unit Technician Apprenticeship programme is delivered one day a week at our Lackham campus during term time only and in the workplace with a visit from your Assessor every 10 to 12 weeks.
As part of the apprenticeship programme, you’ll need to record a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’ training time. This can include college attendance, work shadowing, training, workshops, online learning, tutor sessions, revision, webinars, industry visits – anything that supports your learning on the apprenticeship and supported by your dedicated assessor.
This programme is assessed by a number of practical assessments, including observations and professional discussions in the workplace, to generate evidence for your portfolio in preparation for EPA. In addition, a tutor will arrange college lessons covering both theory and practical learning as required throughout the programme.
On successful completion of the Livestock Unit Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship you will hold the qualification of the Apprenticeship Standard plus PA1, PA6, First Aid and Vet & Med qualifications.
Entry Requirements
You must have a Level 2 Agriculture qualification. As well as maths and English L2 or GCSE grades 4(C) or above. If you don’t have these, you will need to complete these prior to completion of the apprenticeship programme (Gateway).
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.
Additional Costs and Information
This apprenticeship lasts 18 plus 3 months for the End Point Assessment (EPA) and begins in September.
What Could I Do Next?
On successful completion of this Apprenticeship Standard, Apprentices can progress to the Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Apprenticeship.
