Dairy Apprentice

Summary

During this apprenticeship, you will be working within all aspects of caring for our herd of 550 cows, which supply milk to companies like Sainsburys. You would work on a well established farm that has kept up to date with modern technology, meaning you would learn a variety of skills with up to date practices.

Annual wage

£13,312 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Travel Costs will be covered by the employer.

Training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Hours

7.00am to 5.00pm, (with some time off during the day) including some weekend work. There will be regular opportunities for overtime.

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Tuesday 26 November

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Day to day tasks will vary on the farm, but generally will include:

Calf rearing
Milking experience, including cleaning
Prepping bedding including slurry
Scraping on small tractor, once deemed confident with other duties.

Where you’ll work

HOLMBUSH FARM HOUSE

ISAACS LANE

HAYWARDS HEATH

RH16 4RY

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

PLUMPTON COLLEGE

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

Training will occur in person at Plumpton College and will be bi-weekly.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

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
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Logical
Team working
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

This is a rural location, so having your own transport is highly advised as there are no public transport links to us.

About this company

We are an independent farm with a relatively large dairy herd. We pride ourselves on the quality of our care and the quality of the product we produce.

After this apprenticeship

There is the potential that a full time diary opportunity will be avalible after the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: