Arable Farm Apprentice

Introduction

Hands-on apprenticeship on a West Suffolk arable farm. Learn to grow combinable crops from drilling to harvest, operating machinery, crop establishment, spraying support and grain handling, while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

About the Employer

CD Farming Limited (established 2019) is an arable and environmental contracting business based near Newmarket. It farms around 3,400 hectares of combinable crops (cereals, oilseeds and pulses) in the Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Haverhill area, with a strong focus on soil health, modern machinery and technology, and environmental schemes such as SFI and Countryside Stewardship.

What You'll Do

CD Farming Limited is a combinable crops arable contracting business in West Suffolk. Working as part of the farm team and reporting to the farm foreman, the apprentice will help with the day-to-day farming operations across the whole cropping year, learning every stage of producing combinable crops (cereals, oilseeds and pulses). The role is practical and outdoors, with tasks changing through the seasons.

Key duties include:

• Assisting with crop establishment, cultivations and drilling
• Supporting crop health, nutrition and spray operations
• Operating and helping to maintain tractors, trailers and farm machinery
• Assisting at harvest and with grain handling and storage
• Maintaining health, safety and biosecurity
• Keeping basic daily records

Training Outcome

CD Farming invests in continual professional development for all its team. On successful completion there is the potential for a permanent, full-time position, with progression to the Crop Technician (Level 3) arable standard and development towards a skilled machinery operator and, in time, supervisory or management roles.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Physical fitness
• Interest in agriculture
• Interest in machinery
• Willingness to learn
• Reliable
• Hardworking
• Positive attitude
• Flexible
• Safety conscious

Qualifications

• Desired - GCSE - English or Equivalent - A-C or 9-4
• Desired - GCSE - Maths or Equivalent - A-C or 9-4

Course Information

Course: General farm worker (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Usual hours 07:30–17:30, Monday to Friday. Typically Monday to Friday, with additional hours and occasional weekends during peak periods. Overtime is available, particularly during peak periods such as drilling and harvest.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE