Agriculture Apprenticeship (Stockperson)

The successful apprentice will be guided by supportive employers in all aspects of animal husbandry and welfare.

Typical daily tasks will include, but not be limited to:-

• General farm and livestock duties
• Assisting milking approx. 200 cows
• Assisting with calving (Sep – Apr)
• Calf- and youngstock-rearing
• Assisting with animal health checks
• Some tractor work (when trained), related to stock and organic rotational and environmental management
• Basic farm machinery maintenance in the workshop

A practical knowledge and understanding relating to agriculture/livestock is felt to be extremely beneficial. This could be displayed through a previously paid / voluntary role or indeed from time spent in a farming environment. Also transport would be beneficial, although the farm is only ¾ mile from Truro centre.

Interest, willingness to learn, punctuality and reliability are essential.

Applicants are expected to be:

• Interested in farming
• Eager to learn
• Hardworking
• Dedicated
• Willing
• Honest
• Positive in attitude
• Practical
• Happy to work outdoors in all weather
• Wishing to build a career in the agriculture industry
• Have an affinity with animals.

The employers aim to foster and support a proactive approach, confidence to work alongside others and to work on your own initiative. Experience gained within the agriculture industry is preferred, but not essential.

2 GCSEs at grade D/3 or above (or equivalent) are essential – however, applicants with relevant prior experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered and must be prepared to work towards a level 1 functional skills qualification in English and Maths.

A driving license is helpful but is not essential, as long as you are able to get to and from the employer reliably and access Duchy College for your training.

The value of some agricultural experience is appreciated.

The employer and training provider will both support towards further development opportunities.

A position may be made available for the right apprentice, who shows a great deal of commitment and competency within the agriculture industry.

Wages will be reviewed after 3 months.

Consider how you will be able to get to and from the farm reliably, due to the rural location and the potential of some unsociable hours. You will also be required to access Duchy College on a weekly basis. Flexibility on start dates is helpful. The vacancy may therefore close swiftly IF a suitable candidate is found. All published dates can therefore be flexible and will be dependent on suitable candidates coming forward and registering appropriate interest.

Animal welfare is a priority on a farm.

This apprenticeship covers core requirements for looking after animals competently and developing specialist skills in either pigs, sheep, dairy or beef production.

• Stockperson (beef, pigs, sheep, dairy) Apprenticeship Standard Level 2
• Functional skills if required

The apprenticeship will cover a range of topics including:

• Health, biosecurity and welfare
• Vehicle operation
• Nutrition
• Handling and moving
• Breeding and replacement

As well as developing core skills and knowledge, additional qualifications are included, such as emergency first aid at work and the safe use of pesticides as well as one of the below:

• Boom sprayer, mounted, trailed or self-propelled equipment
• Granular applicator equipment
• Handheld applicator equipment
• Other short legislative courses are heavily subsidised such as Tele Handler, ATV and Mule