Approx. duration: 24 months
Start Date: Anytime
Attendance: All assessment and training is undertaken in the workplace with occasional visits to college
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs including Maths and English 9-4/A-C or Functional Skills Level 2
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated ESFA Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On-programme learning:
- Crop Technician Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
- Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides
- Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
Progression:
On completion of this Apprenticeship, Crop Technicians will have the opportunity to progress within the industry into roles such as Unit/Arable Manager, Production Manager and Farm Manager.
Course Summary:
As a Crop Technician, you will be responsible for maximising crop and plant yields through establishment, management, harvesting, and post-harvest operations, while also preserving and enhancing the surrounding environment. Staying current with technological advancements and new innovations will be essential. The role requires self-motivation, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to complete tasks safely and efficiently. With many companies adopting automation for routine tasks, technical skills will be necessary to operate this equipment.
A Crop Technician will specialise in either “Soil-based systems” or “Container-based systems.” Soil-based systems are typically used to grow a diverse range of crops in fields, while container-based systems are primarily used in horticulture for growing plants and trees, though they can also be applied to fruit production.