Farming & agriculture
Our farming and agriculture apprenticeships are designed to support both individuals starting or progressing their careers, and employers looking to build a skilled, future-ready workforce. Whether you’re new to the sector or bringing existing experience, our programmes develop practical knowledge, strengthen capability, and create clear progression opportunities within the industry.
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Farming apprenticeships & career pathways
We offer three apprenticeship pathways covering a range of farming roles and responsibilities: General Farm Worker (Level 2), Livestock Technician (Level 3), and Assistant Farm Manager (Level 4). Each programme combines hands-on, workplace learning with structured training and ongoing support.
We’ll work with you to identify the right apprenticeship and provide guidance every step of the way—whether that’s developing talent within your business or starting your journey in agriculture.
The facts
65%
of the UK’s food supply comes from British agriculture.
460,000
people are employed by the agriculture industry, which is a key part of the food and drink sector
69%
of the UK's land is managed by farmers and land managers
£13.7bn
is the amount the agriculture industry contributes to the UK economy
Apprenticeship Courses
The benefits of an apprenticeship
Employer benefits
- Farming and agriculture 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 farming and agriculture.
- You can elevate your farming business’s potential by providing tailor-made training programmes, structured learning outlets, and transferable skill sets.
- Our farming and agriculture apprenticeships ensure you take on individuals who have undertaken top-notch training.
Apprentice benefits
- 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
FAQs
Yes. Apprentices receive a salary from their employer throughout the programme. Pay can vary depending on the employer and apprenticeship level.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive ongoing support and mentoring from experienced workplace staff and Skern Skills assessors. This includes regular reviews, feedback, and personal development support to help you build skills, confidence, and progress successfully through your 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.
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.
To start afarming and agriculture apprenticeship with Skern 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.
A farming and 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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