General Farm Worker Apprenticeship - Heanton Barton

MR S A KIRK, MRS E J KIRK MR J A KIRK MR M WRIGHT

Okehampton (EX20 3ET)

Closes in 17 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026)

Posted on 9 June 2026


Summary

An excellent opportunity for someone wishing to pursue a career in agriculture.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
General farm worker (level 2)
Hours
Hours of work:40 per week on a rota basis (Monday - Sunday, between the hours of 6.00am and 8.00pm).

40 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 1 August 2026

Duration

1 year

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

Your main responsibilities include:

  • Milking and assisting with general animal care
  • Supporting with calving duties
  • Participating in pasture and grazing management
  • Carrying out general yard work
  • Undertaking routine farm maintenance
  • Performing other tasks as required to support the smooth running of the farm

What We Offer:

We are committed to the growth and development of individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture. For the right person, we offer opportunities for progression through ongoing training and skills development.

We would prefer to have someone who has some farm knowledge/experience, even just summer/weekend work.

You must have:

  • A 'can do' attitude 
  • Willing to learn and ‘muck in’ 
  • Punctual and ready to work  
  • Good Communication skills 
  • Attention to detail
  • Good planning and organisation skills 
  • Able to solve problems 
  • Team working 
  • Takes the initiative 
  • Physical fitness 

Where you'll work

Heanton Barton
Okehampton
EX20 3ET

Training

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

Training provider

SKERN LODGE LIMITED

Training course

General farm worker (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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
  • 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.

Training schedule

1-2-1 teaching and observations; A training specialist will coach, teach, and support the apprentice at the farm on a one to one basis, visiting at regular and agreed intervals.

Face to face teaching as a group; block delivery throughout the year with other apprentices in the area.

The teaching location will be at a central point to those on the apprenticeship in the area.

Tutorials; Apprentices will be offered regular 1-2-1 tutorial time remotely with their specialist trainer.

E-learning; we provide an e learning platform with work and activities for apprentice’s to complete.

 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Patience

About this employer

Dairy Farm

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of your Level 2 General Farm Worker Apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity for a permanent position and progression on to level 3.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SKERN LODGE LIMITED

Karen Wick

karen.wick@skernskills.co.uk

01237 809469

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035893.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026)

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