The industry provides unique opportunities for young people to work in a technically advanced and innovative environment, producing one of the country’s most important products – food which accounts for 14% of the British GDP. Businesses within the industry range from small family farms through to large integrated organisations working across the food supply chain. […]

You are starting your career in agriculture or you have completed a one year full-time agricultural course already or A levels at college. A stockperson will be responsible for their own work, but will have close supervision. As animal welfare is a priority on farms, key to being a good stockperson is understanding your limits and knowing when to ask for help. Working with live animals presents a range of challenges to overcome and ensures no two days will be the same. This standard follows a ‘core and options’ approach. The core covers the generic requirements for looking after animals competently and the sector options provide more specific needs for different livestock. One option will be taken in addition to the core skills to complete this apprenticeship, which provides a solid foundation for a range of progression opportunities within the industry.