Assistant farm manager
Level 4 · HigherAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An assistant farm manager supports the day-to-day running of a farm business, assisting with livestock or arable management, staff supervision, and administrative functions under the direction of the farm manager. Apprentices develop skills in crop or animal husbandry, machinery operation, business management, and environmental compliance relevant to their farming system. This role prepares apprentices for progression to farm manager or farm business owner.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Crop production or livestock husbandry at a management level
Farm business financial management and budgeting basics
Machinery operation, maintenance scheduling, and farm infrastructure
Environmental stewardship and agri-environment scheme management
Staff supervision and basic people management skills
Health and safety legislation as applied in a farming environment
Soil health, nutrient management, and agronomic planning
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assist the farm manager in planning and overseeing daily farm operations
Supervise and direct farm workers in husbandry or arable tasks
Monitor crop or livestock condition and report issues to the manager
Manage stock ordering and maintain farm supply records
Operate and maintain farm machinery and arrange servicing
Keep accurate farm records for compliance and subsidy purposes
Liaise with agronomists, vets, and other farm advisers
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 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior 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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