Livestock unit technician
Level 3 · AdvancedAgriculture, environmental and animal care 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A livestock unit technician manages the day-to-day care, health monitoring, and husbandry of farm animals on a commercial livestock farm or research unit. At level 3, apprentices develop skills in animal welfare, nutrition, breeding, and record-keeping to support productive and profitable livestock operations. The role leads to herdsperson, livestock unit manager, or farm manager positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Physiology, behaviour, and welfare requirements of the main livestock species
Nutrition and feeding management for different production stages including breeding and finishing
Disease recognition, biosecurity protocols, and when to call the veterinary surgeon
Breeding and reproduction management including artificial insemination techniques
Safe handling, restraint, and movement of livestock
Livestock record-keeping systems and their role in traceability and assurance schemes
Relevant legislation including the Animal Welfare Act and farm assurance standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Feed and water livestock daily and monitor their condition and behaviour
Monitor health and identify signs of illness, injury, or nutritional deficiency
Assist with routine veterinary and husbandry procedures including vaccinations and treatments
Manage animal housing by bedding, mucking out, and ventilation adjustments
Assist with breeding activities including serving, pregnancy testing, and parturition
Maintain accurate herd records including movements, treatments, and production data
Carry out biosecurity routines to prevent the introduction and spread of disease
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.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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