Assistant Farm Manager Apprenticeship Level 4 - East Midlands

Skern Training & Skills; Harborough; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run farm in the East Midlands is offering an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience in running a mixed farm. You will care for livestock, maintain records, and support farm operations. Candidates should have a proactive attitude, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team. A Level 3 in Agriculture is an advantage. A full-time position may be available post-apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Maths and English Grade 4 would be desirable.
• Must hold a full driving license.
• A proactive 'can do' attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Daily care of cattle and sheep.
• Maintain livestock and field records.
• Implement regenerative farming techniques.

Skills

Proven experience in mixed farming

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Planning and organisation skills

Physical fitness

Education

A Level 3 in Agriculture

Tools

Tractor/Telehandling license

Job description

Overview

Working on a family run farm in the Lutterworth Area of the East Midlands. This is a great opportunity to experience all of the tasks involved in running a mixed farm, from formulating a beef ration and driving a combine to buying livestock and generating an annual budget. A full-time position will be available on successful completion of apprenticeship for the right candidate.

What you'll do at work

You will work as part of a small team and, with initial training, be able to plan your own day. You will need to be proactive with problems as they arise. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience on a mixed farm with tasks including:

• Daily care for 200 head of cattle.
• Daily care for our small flock of sheep.
• Maintain accurate Livestock records.
• Maintain accurate field records including spraying and fertiliser records.
• Implement and promote regenerative farming techniques.
• Primary and secondary cultivations.
• Drilling, Fertiliser Spreading and Spraying.
• Combining and corn carting.
• Muck Carting and Bale Carting.
• Mowing.
• Fencing.
• Pressure washing buildings, vehicles and equipment.
• Machinery and equipment maintenance and diagnostics.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience on the tasks above.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the Red Tractor standards of livestock welfare.
• Adhere to the highest standards of health, safety and environment, following industry procedures, including bio-security and cleaning schedules.
• Keep the farm yard and all vehicles and equipment clean and tidy at all times.
• Cover the Farm Manager during periods of annual leave.
• Understand leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Learn to oversee farm performance and meet key targets.
• Take a hands-on approach to farm operations and team management.

What will you bring to the role?

• Proven experience in mixed farming.
• A Level 3 in Agriculture would be an advantage.
• A proactive “can do” attitude and willingness to learn and muck in.
• Punctual and ready to work.
• Good communication, attention to detail, planning and organisation skills.
• Ability to solve problems and work well in a team; takes initiative.
• Physical fitness.

Entry requirements

• Maths and English Grade 4 would be desirable but not necessary.
• A Level 3 in Agriculture would be an advantage.
• Must hold a full driving license.
• Tractor/Telehandling license would be desirable.

Training and delivery

• Training to be provided with 1-2-1 teaching and mentoring.
• A training specialist will provide 1-2-1 mentoring and coaching online, with occasional planned visits to the workplace.
• Face-to-face teaching as a group (online delivery).
• The programme will be delivered online monthly, led by an experienced team with input from industry experts, with optional monthly drop-in sessions for support.
• Regular 1-2-1 tutorials remotely with the specialist trainer.
• E-learning platform with work and activities for apprentices to complete.

Things to consider

• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00 (with unpaid breaks daily: 2 x 15 min and 1 x 30 min); Sat–Sun 8:00–12:00 on a rota basis.
• Busy periods (July–October): 8:00–22:00 on a rota basis.
• Minimum 40 hours per week.
• Pay Rate: £10 per hour.

Future prospects

Full-time position will be available on successful completion of the apprenticeship for the right candidate.