Livestock Technician Apprentice

Introduction

Join us to build practical skills across our commercial dairy, beef, sheep and pig enterprises. Working with an experienced team, you will gain hands-on experience in livestock production, grassland management, animal health & welfare, machinery operation and supporting our move towards sustainable, environmentally focused practices.

About the Employer

Plumpton College is one of the UK's leading land and environment colleges, delivering industry-leading education, training and applied learning. The College Farm is a progressive commercial mixed farming enterprise, comprising dairy, beef, sheep, pig and arable enterprises, providing a real farming environment where food production, education and innovation come together. As the farm continues its journey towards becoming a leader in sustainable agriculture, apprentices will be part of a team developing new approaches to environmentally focused land management, resource efficiency and resilient food production, while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare. Working alongside experienced farm staff, lecturers and industry partners, apprentices will gain hands-on experience in modern farming systems, emerging technologies and agricultural best practice, helping to shape the future of the business while building the skills needed for a successful career in agriculture.

What You'll Do

Day-to-day tasks will vary but will include:

• Supporting the daily operation of the college farm across dairy, beef, sheep and pig enterprises
• Assisting with livestock care, feeding, milking, calf rearing, lambing, calving, farrowing and routine animal health monitoring
• Helping maintain high standards of animal welfare, hygiene, biosecurity, cleanliness, and health and safety across the farm
• Contributing to general farm duties including bedding, fencing, grassland management, machinery operation, crop work and record keeping
• Working alongside experienced staff to develop practical skills in modern livestock technology and commercial farming systems

Training Outcome

Successful apprentices may progress into roles such as Livestock Technician, Herdsperson, Assistant Herd Manager, Stockperson or Farm Technician, with opportunities to continue into higher-level agricultural qualifications and supervisory positions.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Reliable

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4

Course Information

Course: Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Typically, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm, with early starts where required. Weekend working is an essential and is undertaken on a rota, with approximately every other weekend worked. Seasonality may require additional hours during busy periods.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: PLUMPTON COLLEGE

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.