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Farm worker

Alternative titles for this job include Farm labourer, tractor driver

Farm workers raise livestock and use machinery to plant and harvest crops.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

46 to 48 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Farm worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college, such as:

  • practical farm animal care skills
  • agriculture
  • tractor driving
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Courses combine theory and practical skills and can include units on crop production, animal husbandry and operating farm machinery.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships might be relevant depending on the type of farming you're interested in:

  • General Farm Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Poultry Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Poultry Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Livestock Unit Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

It will usually take between a year and a year and a half to complete one of these apprenticeships.

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

There is no set route to become a farm worker but it might help if you:

  • have an interest in farming
  • enjoy working outdoors
  • have experience of working on a farm from a weekend or holiday job
  • have knowledge of basic mechanics

More Information

Career tips

As a farm worker or tractor driver, you might work long hours especially during busy periods, such as lambing season and harvest time.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in farming and agriculture from Tasty Careers and The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work on your own
  • 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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties will depend on the type of farm you work on and the time of year.

As a farm worker you could:

  • feed and look after livestock
  • operate milking equipment on a dairy farm
  • treat animals and crops to prevent disease
  • plough fields, sow seeds and harvest crops
  • drive tractors, quad bikes and other vehicles to carry out day-to-day tasks
  • maintain farm buildings and agricultural machinery
  • trim hedges, clear drains and 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With training, qualifications and experience, you could:

  • supervise other farm workers
  • work as a contractor, maintaining machinery, or supply services to more than one farm
  • work in agricultural equipment and supplies
  • become an assistant farm manger, which may involve moving between farms to get experience or a promotion

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Livestock Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 - Mount Folly Farm

  • Wage: £11,648 a year Annually
  • Location: Kingsbridge

Apprentice Poultry Assistant

  • Wage: £15,210 a year Annually
  • Location: Shropham, Attleborough, Norfolk
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Novice Tractor Driving & Related Operations

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 16 January 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

Tractor Driving C&G - Certificate of Competence - Level 2

  • Provider: SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 27 May 2025
  • Location: Sparsholt
Find courses near you

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