Our agricultural apprenticeships will provide you with the skills to succeed in the farming industry. Whether you grew up on a family farm or you have no ties to thesector, our programmes will develop your knowledge and unlock career opportunities.
We offer three farming apprenticeships covering a variety of farming operations and activities:
· General Farm Worker Level 2
· Livestock Technician Level 3
· Assistant Farm Manager Level 4
We'll help you decide the best course based on your long-term goals and interests. Then, we'll support you through every step of your agriculture apprenticeship. You'll receive a combination of workplace and classroom learning, along with on going support and mentorship.
Meanwhile, if you're an employer looking for an apprentice, we can help. We'll design a tailored agriculture and farming apprenticeship program to develop talent, fill skills gaps, and improve farm efficiency.
To get started, fill in a contact form and one of our team members will be in touch.
Download our apprenticeships brochure, or view our sector courses
Download the brochureSee our coursesThe facts
50%
of the food we eat is provided by agriculture
500,000 people are employed by the agriculture industry, which is a key part of the food and drink sector
71%
of the UK's land is managed by farmers and land managers
£11.2bn is the amount the agriculture industry contributes to the UK economy
Agriculture Apprenticeship Courses
General Farm Worker Apprenticeships
You’ll learn about the day to day running of a farm, and get involved with health and safety, biosecurity, maintaining crops, animal handling, and the maintenance of farm machinery.
General Farm Worker Apprenticeships
You’ll learn about the day to day running of a farm, and get involved with health and safety, biosecurity, maintaining crops, animal handling, and the maintenance of farm machinery.
Livestock Technician Apprenticeships
This apprenticeship focuses on livestock, with emphasis on managing the livestock-related tasks on the farm, which include monitoring and managing animal health and welfare, and taking ownership of the process from conception and birth through to the end product.
Livestock Technician Apprenticeships
This apprenticeship focuses on livestock, with emphasis on managing the livestock-related tasks on the farm, which include monitoring and managing animal health and welfare, and taking ownership of the process from conception and birth through to the end product.
Assistant Farm Manager Apprenticeships
Learning how to support farm management gives you the skills you need to move into a senior position. This apprenticeship focuses on various elements of agriculture, such as dairy, sheep, cattle, arable field-based vegetables, and energy crops.
Assistant Farm Manager Apprenticeships
Learning how to support farm management gives you the skills you need to move into a senior position. This apprenticeship focuses on various elements of agriculture, such as dairy, sheep, cattle, arable field-based vegetables, and energy crops.
Working with some of the UK's best
The benefits of an agriculture apprenticeship
Employer benefits
Apprenticeships allow employers to shape their workforce based on their specific needs. By providing targeted training and hands-on experience, employers can develop a team of skilled and competent workers who are aligned with their business goals.
- Agriculture and environmental apprenticeships are accessible for all farms, large or small.
- They're either part or fully funded.
- They're one of the most effective ways to equip your team with the right skills to manage farm operations.
- You'll attract committed, motivated individuals driven to build a career in agriculture.
- You can elevate your farming business’s potential by providing tailor-made training programmes, structured learning outlets, and transferable skill sets.
- Our agriculture apprenticeships ensure you take on individuals who have undertaken top-notch training.
Apprentice benefits
Agricultural and Farming Apprenticeships offer a range of benefits for employees which can enhance their skills, career opportunities, and personal development.
- You’ll gain valuable qualifications and skills while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
- You do not need a background in farming. An agricultural apprenticeship is a fantastic route to working in the industry. It provides opportunities for people from all backgrounds, including those with no links to the industry.
- Our apprentice trainers are passionate about farming too, so you’ll be in great hands when it comes to learning about all areas of agriculture.
- You will get plenty of work experience, solving problems in a real-world agriculture environment. This can really help you not only apply practical knowledge to your studies but also prepare you for your future career.
- You will have a mentor who can guide and advise you. They'll provide feedback and help you decide the best steps for advancing in your career.
- You will benefit from a combination of workplace learning and classroom learning. Plus, your employer may opt to offer you an added-value experiential learning course at one of our training centres.
- By gaining real-world experience, you show future employers that you can add genuine value. The wide range of farming skills you'll develop will leave you with a range of career options, too.
Q&A with Peter Reed, Lead Apprentice Training Specialist in Agriculture
A conversation with our Lead Training Specialist in Agriculture at STS, Peter Reed
Read moreFAQs
Why should I choose a farming apprenticeship?
Farming can be a hugely rewarding career, and an apprenticeship in this industry can give you the best start in it. However, the world of farming and agriculture relies on a committed and hands-on approach. You’ll need experience in a variety of scenarios that can crop up on a day-to-day basis to succeed. Farming apprenticeships are therefore a solid route into a career in agriculture, giving you the knowledge, tools, and training to tackle anything that’s thrown your way.
Who is it for?
An agriculture and farming apprenticeship is a great fit for those who:
- Are passionate about the outdoors
- Love the idea of a practical job and working outside every day.
- Care for animal welfare
- Respect the environment
- Recognise the importance of safety procedures.
Are there any prerequisites for the courses?
To join an agriculture apprenticeship with Skern Training & Skills, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be aged 16 or over at the start of the apprenticeship.
- A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to work outdoors in physically demanding environments.
- No previous farming background is required—applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.
- GCSE Grade 1 or 2 in English and Maths (requirements vary by apprenticeship level).
- All learners must achieve a minimum of Functional Skills Level 1 (GCSE Grade 2/3 equivalent).
- Learners must also study towards and attempt Functional Skills Level 2 before completing the apprenticeship, with full support from STS and their employer.
Where can an agricultural apprenticeship take me?
An agriculture apprenticeship provides the right skills and behaviours to work in a wide variety of roles. To name a few:
- Farm worker
- Crop manager
- Agricultural engineer
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