Summary
We’re looking to recruit an Apprentice Farm Worker to join our team at Low Beckside Farm in Cumbria. The role will give you comprehensive training, qualifications and hands-on experience of a busy, working hill farm which also serves as one of our Outdoor Learning sites.
Wage
£20,638 a year
Training course
Livestock unit technician (level 3)
Hours
31.5hrs/week 0.9FTE (including 20% off the job training) Hours and days to be discussed as part of recruitment process
31 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 months
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
* Help to maintain our flock of 550 sheep. Checking stock, feeding, watering, dosing, clipping, recording health checks and generally ensuring we have a healthy, well looked-after flock to
be proud of
* Help maintain our herd of cattle. Moving, dosing and general health checks
* Operate several different types of machinery, including tractors, quads, toppers and sprayers, to carry out responsibilities of role
* Repair equipment when it breaks down and perform routine maintenance to identify problems before they escalate
* Put up and maintain fences and dry-stone walls. Repair footpaths, gates and stiles
* Shepherd stock, monitor health and condition of our animals and assisting in moving them around the farm
* Be prepared to get stuck-in at lambing time. Assist in the delivering of newborns, administering medication and maintaining a fit and healthy flock
* Be a part of transforming the farm through nature restoration. You will be planting trees and hedges, digging ponds, increasing biodiversity and conservation value to the benefit of our farm
* Maintain communications with other staff, contractors, vets, land agents and other organisations we work with
* Be proactive in keeping the farm in a clean and tidy state
* Be part of Outdoor Learning and education at Low Beckside. This might involve helping to set up classrooms, prepare stock for groups to work with or assist other staff when we have groups of young people or children working at the farm
Where you’ll work
Low Beckside
Mungrisdale
Penrith
CA11 0XR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
KENDAL 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
* 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
Your training plan
* 31.5hrs/week 0.9FTE (including 20% off the job training)
* 18-months Fixed Term
More training information
You will receive training in First Aid and Safe Use of Pesticides as part of your apprenticeship, and extra courses and training such as ATV and tractor driving to ensure you get the best start in your career. Additional support with maths and English can be provided if required. The apprenticeship provider is Kendal College.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 9-2 or equivalent)
* Maths (grade 9-2 or equivalent)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Problem solving skills
* Physical fitness
* Ability to listen to instructi
Other requirements
We are looking for a candidate who is keen to try all trades and loves learning new skills, with enthusiasm and a positive work ethic. Any previous experience is great but not essential as you will be receiving comprehensive on-site training from the Farmer and a mentor