Agriculture

Modern Apprenticeship

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What's Agriculture like?

Learn how to shape the future of Scotland’s food industry with this agriculture apprenticeship. Agriculture involves the management of crops, meat and fish and you can be part of a sector that’s focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle.  

During the apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to make the environment more sustainable and manage food in an ethical way. The right products make a difference and contribute towards a better standard of living.  

Agriculture is suited to people who enjoy the outdoors. You’ll have the opportunity to drive tractors, forklifts and gain experience with other practical machinery. You’ll also get the chance to work with livestock, learning how to create a safe environment for yourself and the animals.

What's the qualification?

You’ll gain a qualification in Agriculture at either SCQF Level 5 or 6. For both qualifications, you’ll study one of the following:  

  • agricultural crops

  • agricultural livestock

  • mixed farming

  • poultry production

  • agricultural science

  • sustainable farming

  • conservation

  • seed production

Both apprenticeships include work experience.

Your qualification includes:

SCQF Level 5

  • Agriculture at SCQF Level 5

SCQF Level 6

  • Agricultural crops at SCQF Level 6

  • Agricultural livestock at SCQF Level 6

  • Mixed farming at SCQF Level 6

  • Poultry production at SCQF Level 6

SCQF qualification levels explained

What will I learn?

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to:   

  • shear sheep

  • safely handle pesticides

  • safely handle food

  • transport different types of animals

  • operate a tractor

  • carry out best agricultural practices

You’ll also develop the following core skills:   

  • problem-solving

  • communication

  • time management

  • working with others   

These transferable skills can be used for different jobs, such as farm work and stock work.

Where could it take me?

There are a range of options to pursue with this Modern Apprenticeship. Go into further education by studying for an agricultural degree or start your career in the industry.    

Further study: Choose to increase your knowledge through different courses. You could study for a degree in agricultural science or sustainable farming. Your experience will support your university application.   

Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a job in the agriculture sector. They include:     

  • farmer

  • agriculture machine operator

  • stock worker

  • agriculture scientist

  • assistant herder

  • poultry nutritionist

  • dairy manager

  • farm manager

agriculture framework 432x288

Entry requirements

There are no set requirements for this apprenticeship.

How does it work?

You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider. 

How long will it take?

This Modern Apprenticeship will take around 3 years to complete.

How to apply

Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.

You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert. 

Find vacancies near you