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Farm worker

Alternative titles for this job include Farm labourer

Farm workers raise livestock and plant and harvest crops, using agricultural machinery.

Average salary (a year)

£13,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

46 to 48 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become a farm worker

You can get into this career through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college to prepare for work in this industry. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills
  • Level 2 Extended Certificate in Agriculture
  • Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture

Courses combine theory and practical skills and include units on:

  • crop production
  • animal husbandry
  • operating farm machinery

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant depending on your area of interest in farming:

  • Level 2 Stockperson
  • Level 2 Poultry worker
  • Level 3 Poultry technician
  • Level 3 Packhouse line leader

These apprenticeships usually take 12-18 months complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You do not need any particular qualifications to apply directly to become a farm worker but it helps to have an interest in farming and working outdoors. Experience of working on a farm, for example from a weekend or holiday job, dairy work or crop picking would be useful.

More Information

Career tips

It may help to have some basic skills in mechanics.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in farming and agriculture from Tasty Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • physical skills like strength, balance and coordination
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties will vary, depending on the time of year or the farm's main produce. You could:

  • feed and look after livestock
  • treat animals and crops to prevent disease
  • operate milking machinery on dairy farms
  • plough fields, sow seeds and harvest crops
  • operate and repair farm machinery like tractors, ploughs and combine harvesters
  • maintain farm buildings
  • trim hedges, clear drainage ditches and mend fences and walls

Working environment

You could work on a farm.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, dusty and dirty.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With qualifications and experience, you could progress to supervisor or unit manager on a large farm. You may have to move between farms to gain experience and promotion.

You could also become an agricultural contractor, supplying services to several farms, servicing machinery or working in agricultural equipment and supplies.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Agriculture Apprentice

  • Wage: £129.00 Weekly
  • Location: Preston

Poultry Production Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,250.00 Annually
  • Location:
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Agriculture - Level 2

  • Provider: DCG
  • Start date: 07 September 2021
  • Location: Ilkeston

Diploma Level 2 Agriculture

  • Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Northampton
Find courses near you

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