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

Monday 14 October

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