Start Date
- September 2025, Apprenticeship, Day
What You Will Study
With over 150,000 businesses, the Agriculture & Horticulture industries form the vital starting point for both the food and landscaping industries which account for over 14% of the British GDP. As a result they offer exciting and varied careers in the UK and abroad. The industry provides unique opportunities for people to work in a technically advanced and innovative environment. Businesses within the industry range from small enterprises to international organisations.
Work in soil-based systems involves operating large, technically advanced machinery in the open fields. Working outdoors means there is variety and challenges to overcome. Similarly, employees working in container-based systems may work outside but for many, most of the work will be in controlled environments which need monitoring and adapting to suit the growth stage/species growing.
As a Crop Technician you will be responsible for optimising crop/ plant yields through establishment, management, harvest and post-harvest operations, while maintaining and improving the environment. You will also need to keep up to date with technological advances and new innovations. Being a Crop Technician requires self-motivation- you must be able to work independently and in a team to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Many companies now use automation for many routine tasks, which also requires technical skills.
This standard supports apprentices in gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours, and follows a ‘core and options’ approach. There are two course pathways for this apprenticeship: Soil Based System, or Container Based System. The pathway will be chosen depending on the nature of the organisation you are working in.
The course will cover the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to qualify as a competent Crop Technician, as included in the official standard.
This apprenticeship is delivered from our Easton Campus and the typical duration is 30 months. The next intake will be in September 2024.
Why Choose Easton College?
Real working environment
Learn on our operational commercial farm covering over 200 hectares.
£9bn industry
with over 476,000 workers on farms in the UK.
Show your skills
Exhibit your work at regional agricultural shows.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE Grade 4/C in Maths and English (Language or Literature) or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English
In order to enrol onto an apprenticeship, you need to be employed in a relevant job role and undertake a range of tasks which would enable you to complete the qualification.
How You Will Be Assessed
The apprentice will be ready for End Point Assessment which includes:
- 100- minute multiple choice knowledge test
- A practical assessment lasting 1 day, including 3 tasks
- 1- hour professional discussion with an independent assessor
Course Progression
Successful completion of this course should support a learner’s progression which may include:
- Progression to Level 4 Agriculture Apprenticeship or Agricultural Management BSc (Hons)
Where Your Course Can Take You
Upon completing this course, apprentices might wish to explore further continuation, development or promotion at work or within this sector.
Fees
Apprenticeship course fees are subject to the age of the apprentice, and the size of the company
For employers with less than 50 employees who do not pay the apprenticeship levy and who take on an apprentice who is aged between 16-21 at the start of their apprenticeship, there will be no direct cost and the full training costs will be covered by Government funding. If the apprentice is aged 22+ the government partially subsides the training costs and the employer will need to pay 5% of the costs. In the case of this course, the fee would be £750.
For an employer with more than 50 employees a 5% charge will be implemented regardless of the age of the apprentice which in this case would be £750.
A levy paying company will pay the full cost of the apprenticeship from their levy account which in this case would be £15,000.
Please note that course fees are to be paid by the employer and apprentices must not be asked to make a financial contribution toward their training.
To discuss apprenticeship course fees in more detail or for more information on recruiting an apprentice, please contact 01603 773365 or Apprenticeships@ccn.ac.uk.
Why Choose Easton College?
Real working environment
Learn on our operational commercial farm covering over 200 hectares.
£9bn industry
with over 476,000 workers on farms in the UK.
Show your skills
Exhibit your work at regional agricultural shows.
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