General Farm Worker Apprentice

Summary

This post will assist in providing and maintaining the operation of two farms and their associated visitor centres, at Forge Mill Farm and Sandwell Park Farm - part of the Sandwell Valley Estate.

Annual wage: £12,313.60 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: General farm worker (level 2)
Hours: Between 7am & 4pm. 5 days out of 7 on a Rota system - to include bank holidays and weekends (TBC). This is a 7 day service, as the animals must still be cared for every day, whatever the weather
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Sunday 1 December
Duration: 1 Year
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

Assisting in the care and welfare of farm livestock and small animals, to include grooming, feeding and mucking out
To interact with visitors, lead demonstrations and take part in discussions, animal activities and group tours
To assist with seasonal activities and events including lambing, sheep shearing, pumpkin picking, sunflowers event, and other large-scale events held at Forge Mill Farm and Sandwell Park Farm
Help to maintain farmland and farm yard areas, within the Sandwell Valley locality
Help staff to carry out their duties and ensure the safety and security of the farm building and its equipment
Assist with the engagement and supervision of college students and schools groups that visit the farms

Where you’ll work

Forge Mill Farm

Forge Lane

West Bromwich

B71 3SZ

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

HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE

Your training course

General farm worker (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Identify hazards and risks in the workplace, prepare risk assessments and demonstrate high level of health and safety awareness at all times.

Maintain the correct hygiene and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with relevant legal requirements

Check that animal welfare needs related to their environment and housing are maintained, including manure management, ensuring the suitability of indoor and outdoor environment and bedding up of animals

Assist with safe restraint, moving and handling of livestock.

Legally operate a farm vehicle and each attachment according to health and safety requirements. For example, tractors and ATVs along with other vehicles integral to the business.

Demonstrate good environmental practice in the workplace, in accordance with environmental assessment plans and associated legal requirements

Assist with post-harvest activities to meet crop and forage specifications, in a safe and environmentally acceptable way

Carry out maintenance of farm infrastructure (including housing for livestock, boundaries and electric or non-electric fences), machinery and equipment, as instructed

Complete manual and electronic records in accordance with legislation and the business processes.

Monitor and maintain health & welfare of livestock and assist with treatments when appropriate.

Monitor the quantity and quality of grass and forage crops and report findings to appropriate person.

Provide feed and water to livestock as instructed and report any issues to appropriate person

Assist with caring for livestock during the reproductive cycle, from service to weaning. For example, identify signs of heat.

Produce products for sale from the business (for example, milking, shearing, lambing, harvesting)

Assist with the preparation of the ground, including identification of soil condition through soil sampling and preparing crop for planting

Load, unload and complete paperwork for transportation of resources manually and using loading equipment, according to instruction

Monitor the growth and development of crops in line with customer specification, as instructed