Poultry technician
Level 3 · AdvancedAgriculture, environmental and animal care 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship trains you to work as a skilled technical professional in the poultry sector, monitoring flock health, welfare, and production performance on commercial poultry farms. You will apply technical knowledge to improve bird performance, manage biosecurity, and support farm managers with data and analysis. It can lead to farm manager, technical adviser, or veterinary support roles in the poultry industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Poultry physiology, nutrition, and production systems for broilers, layers, or turkeys
Flock health monitoring, common diseases, and biosecurity protocols
Animal welfare legislation and assurance scheme standards in poultry
Data collection, recording, and analysis of flock performance indicators
Feed management, water quality, and ventilation in poultry housing
Medication and vaccination programmes under veterinary supervision
Health and safety on poultry farms including zoonosis prevention
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Monitor flock behaviour, health, and welfare daily and record observations
Collect and analyse flock performance data including feed conversion and mortality
Carry out biosecurity procedures including cleaning, disinfection, and controlled access
Administer vaccinations and treatments under veterinary direction
Adjust feeding, lighting, and ventilation to optimise flock performance
Prepare and present technical reports on flock performance for farm managers
Support the implementation of new husbandry or welfare improvement programmes
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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