Livestock Technician Apprentice - Level 3 - Ayre Farming – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

If you have a ‘Can do’ attitude, mix in well with a team and want a career in the dairy industry this may be the job for you.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Hours

Mon - Sun (7am - 5pm) on a rota basis

40 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 May 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

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

What you’ll do at work

Ayre Farming requires an Assistant Herdsperson, to join their share milking team, in Mid Devon UK. They run a 330 cow, spring block calving herd and followers, utilising grass as much as possible in their diet.

Duties would include: -

Assisting herds person with day to day milking and care of the animals.

Pasture management

Monitoring KPI’s (key performance indicators), setting targets and goals.

What they can offer:

They are committed to the growth and development of people who want to excel in the profession, offering opportunities for progression through training, discussion groups and promotion within our business.

Competitive initial salary with the opportunity to further improve for the right candidate.

Quality Single Person accommodation available, if required (over 18's only)

Where you’ll work

Stanterton Farm
Tiverton
EX16 9RE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

SKERN LODGE LIMITED

Your training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Plan, implement, monitor and review health and safety of self, others and livestock; including risk assessments and biosecurity policy.
Manage, monitor and evaluate the financial viability of delivered diets, using relevant resources
Maintain, analyse and utilize production records (both written and digital) to improve productivity and aid compliance
Implement breeding plan, monitor and manage the physical condition and check that selected stock are in the correct condition for breeding.
Use the most appropriate technology or digital system (for example, robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking) to ensure that livestock performance is optimised, and its health and welfare is maintained.
Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments, in different environmental and ground conditions
Carry out day-to-day management of unit conforming to current welfare legislation and current industry welfare codes, including planning for personnel and undertake key activities, to meet KPI’s
Implement, monitor, manage and review livestock health & welfare plan.
Ensure that grass and forage crops are of the appropriate quality and quantity in accordance with farm KPIs
Plan, implement, monitor and review movement of livestock at different stages of production cycle, including preparation of movement documents and allocating resource
Plan and implement cleaning procedures across the livestock unit, including management of manure and manage livestock in accommodation
Implement changes to policy and working practice, based on market factors such as price, supply chain requirements and new legislation
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support business operation and development
Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer in accordance with health and safety requirements.
Identify need for euthanasia, contact relevant professionals and complete necessary paperwork
Plan, implement, monitor and review health and safety of self, others and livestock; including risk assessments and biosecurity policy.
Manage, monitor and evaluate the financial viability of delivered diets, using relevant resources
Maintain, analyse and utilize production records (both written and digital) to improve productivity and aid compliance
Implement breeding plan, monitor and manage the physical condition and check that selected stock are in the correct condition for breeding.
Use the most appropriate technology or digital system (for example, robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking) to ensure that livestock performance is optimised, and its health and welfare is maintained.
Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments, in different environmental and ground conditions
Carry out day-to-day management of unit conforming to current welfare legislation and current industry welfare codes, including planning for personnel and undertake key activities, to meet KPI’s
Implement, monitor, manage and review livestock health & welfare plan.
Ensure that grass and forage crops are of the appropriate quality and quantity in accordance with farm KPIs
Plan, implement, monitor and review movement of livestock at different stages of production cycle, including preparation of movement documents and allocating resource
Plan and implement cleaning procedures across the livestock unit, including management of manure and manage livestock in accommodation
Implement changes to policy and working practice, based on market factors such as price, supply chain requirements and new legislation
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support business operation and development
Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer in accordance with health and safety requirements.
Identify need for euthanasia, contact relevant professionals and complete necessary paperwork

Your training plan

You will be supported by an assessor throughout your apprenticeship.

As you progress through your apprenticeship your duties and responsibilities will alter as you develop the skills for a successful career in agriculture.

Training will be a mix of face to face and online learning.

You will gain a Livestock Technician Level 3 qualification with further opportunities for training, development and permanent employment upon completion.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

4 (grade 9)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Activities are carried outside and inside in all weathers. Hours will vary depending on business needs and you will be on a Monday -Sunday (7am - 5pm) rota, so you will need to be flexible. Please ensure you research the location and transport access prior to applying. Will require a 1 day trial (unpaid) after successful interview.

About this company

Ayre Farming are a cattle farm based in Mid Devon.

After this apprenticeship

You will gain a Livestock Technician Level 3 qualification with further opportunities for training, development and permanent employment upon completion.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SKERN LODGE LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000314008.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Wednesday 30 April 2025)

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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Livestock Technician Apprentice - Level 3 - Ayre Farming

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