Approx. duration: 18 months
Start date: Anytime
Attendance: All assessment and training is undertaken in the workplace with occasional visits to college
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Apprentices must achieve Functional Skills Level 1 in English and/or Maths if they have a GCSE grade below Grade 2 or E. Additionally, they should demonstrate a commitment to working towards and completing the Level 2 exam before reaching the End-point assessment
- Apprentices who have already achieved GCSE grade 2 or Functional Level 1 in English and/or Maths will need to demonstrate a willingness to work towards and successfully complete the Level 2 exam prior to the End-point assessment
On programme learning:
- General Farm Worker Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
- Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance
End-point assessment:
Delivered by Lantra
Course Summary:
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the need of both the Apprentice and their employer.
As an Apprentice your role will be 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 license. The individual will work alongside the supervisor, supporting daily operations for the farm enterprises 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 crops, minimising waste and disposing of necessary waste appropriately. Animal welfare and risk awareness and prevention are integral to this occupation.
A General Farm Worker is likely to specialise in Livestock or Crops. This Apprenticeship Standard takes a core and options approach. All Apprentices will complete the core and must select the most appropriate option for their role: Livestock Worker or Crop Worker.
In their daily work, an Apprentice in this occupation interacts with the internal farm team reporting to a line manager, and with several external stakeholders including vets, farm advisors, contractors and other consultants to the business.
An Apprentice in this occupation will be responsible for carrying out routine work set by their supervisor to the required business standards. This includes:
- Assisting with animal and plant health and nutrition
- Maintaining health and safety and biosecurity
- Operating farm vehicles
- Optimising the environmental impacts of animal and crop performance
- Office work is minimal although basic daily record-keeping will be required
Typical working hours will depend on farm type and labour structure. A farm worker will be expected to do long hours, only as permitted within UK employment law.