Extended Advanced Technical Diploma in Agriculture

Virtual Courses and Careers Advice Event at Bicton College – March 2021

27 March 2021, 10:00-12:00

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Virtual Apprenticeship Event at Bicton College – March 2021

27 March 2021, 10:00-12:00

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Taster Day at Bicton College – April 2021

7 April 2021, 09:30-15:15

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Taster Day at Bicton College – June 2021

2 June 2021, 09:30-15:15

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Dragon den training for tenant farmers

4th June 2020

Before lockdown wannabee tenant farmers and those looking to upskill have undertaken Dragon’s Den–style training to help them fulfil their dreams of running a farm.

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Agriculture Diploma

Level 3 • Full-time • Bicton College

Agriculture is arguably the most important industry in the world and makes a significant contribution to the economy in the South West of England. Without food we simply would not survive and the growing world population is making increasing demands on the agricultural industry. Agriculture is a highly technical, scientific and mechanised industry that needs the best young people to work both on farms and in the allied industries as advisors, consultants and technicians. This course is ideal for those looking for a career in agriculture or allied industries whether you are from a farming background or not. Level 3 is an advanced level programme equivalent to A levels, providing UCAS points and progression to university undergraduate programmes. The programme is aimed at individuals with a keen interest in agriculture and a desire to develop a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the industry. Agricultural science and business skills are taught alongside the key practical skills and knowledge required by the industry. As well as utilising the college farm and estate you will have the opportunity to meet and work with key farmers and industry specialists from across the region to enhance your experience and expose you to a wide range of agricultural production systems and management decisions. You will be learning from experienced agriculturalists both inside the classroom and on the college farm, it could be milking our herd of dairy cows, lambing our flock of sheep or ploughing a field before we plant our maize crop. You will spend some of your course time working alongside the farm staff, following the farm activities as you progress through the year, you could be selecting ewes for breeding in September, fencing in October, calving cows in February or shearing a ewe in May. You will have the opportunity to develop your confidence, knowledge and practical skills, alongside more general skills required to gain employment or to continue in education. As a level 3 course this diploma is all about you gaining an in-depth and broad understanding of the knowledge and skills required by the agricultural industry.

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Land Based Forklift Truck Operations City & Guilds Award

Level 2 • Part-time • Bicton College

A practical course which meets the Health and Safety Executive requirements for this type of machine. The course promotes awareness of hazards in lift truck operation (rough terrain), machine capabilities/limitations, and develops operator skills with telescopic materials handlers. This qualification will appeal to those who use a forklift as part of their work in agriculture, horticulture or distribution and warehousing. It has been developed to cover the “basic training” requirements of the Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Forklift Trucks. This does not replace any legal requirement for a driving licence. Course includes : Health and Safety at Work Act Machine controls Safe handling techniques Daily maintenance checks Brakes and braking Manoeuvering with and without loads Operating hydraulics and stacking procedures This course runs once a month, for further information please register your interest below.

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Land-Based Studies (Agriculture) City & Guilds Diploma

Level 1 • Full-time • Bicton College

There are a wide range of exciting job opportunities available within the agricultural industry working with both livestock and machinery. The industry is in need of young, enthusiastic individuals that enjoy working both outside and inside and have a range of practical and employability skills. Our Level 1 course is a foundation programme aimed at individuals with a keen interest in agriculture and a desire to develop a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the industry. Many of these skills will also be transferable to a range of other land based sectors, increasing your career opportunities. You will be learning from experienced agriculturalists both inside the classroom and on the college farm and could be milking our herd of dairy cows, lambing our flock of sheep or ploughing a field before we plant our maize crop. You will also spend some of your course time working alongside the farm staff and following the farm activities as you progress through the year. You could be selecting ewes for breeding in September, fencing in October, calving cows in February or shearing a ewe in May. This course will give you the opportunity to develop your confidence whilst gaining knowledge and practical skills. You will also learn more general skills required to gain employment or to continue in education. As a Level 1 course this diploma is all about introducing you to the agricultural industry and developing the skills that you already have to give you the very best opportunity to move onto a more technical agriculture course or enter the industry as an apprentice.

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