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 onto the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs including Maths and English 9-4/A-C or Functional Skills Level 2
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated DFE Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On-programme learning:
- Livestock Unit Technician Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
- Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides
- Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 2 Safe use of Veterinary Medicines
Progression:
On completion of this Apprenticeship, Livestock Unit Technicians will have the opportunity to progress within the industry into roles such as Flock Manager, Herd Manager, Unit Manager or Farm Manager.
Course Summary:
The Livestock Unit Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of livestock tasks on the farm, focusing on animal health and welfare from conception and birth through to delivery to the customer. The role supports overall business productivity and requires the individual to make informed daily decisions that safeguard their own health and safety as well as that of others.
Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with cross compliance regulations, farm assurance standards, biosecurity protocols, and infrastructure security. Typically, the technician will work with a single livestock species.
The role also involves the safe operation and maintenance of farm vehicles and equipment used in feed transportation and production. Additionally, the technician must understand, monitor, and meet the business’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as defined by the employer.