What is an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in the sector is a practical, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
You could be working with zoo animals, creating wedding bouquets, or managing a farm, to name a few examples.
Career opportunities
An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:
Kieran is an agriculture apprentice with East Lothian Council in Scotland.
£25,2981
The average salary for jobs across this sector
UCAS, correct as of November 2022
Half a million
The number of people currently employed by around 150,000 UK agriculture businesses
Youth Employment UK
Don’t be shy about showing an employer how passionate you are. This is a sector where everyone genuinely cares about the work they’re doing so you’ll shine if you can show them that you care as much as them.
Everyone is so willing to teach me on my apprenticeship. I’m using dangerous machines every day working in forestry and for them to trust apprentices straight away is a massive sign of respect.
Pros
- Roles are hands-on and based outdoors in many cases.
- You can make a real difference to the planet.
- Every day is different.
Cons
- The work can be physically demanding.
- You’ll have to work in all weathers in some roles.
- You may need to work weekends and evenings.
Who would suit an an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship?
You might be interested in an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship if you:
- like the idea of working outside
- are passionate about animals, the environment, and sustainability
- want to make a difference to the world around you
- like the idea of every day being different
You might be a good fit for an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship if you:
- are caring and kind
- are hands-on and outdoorsy
- are adaptable to ever-changing situations
- can work well with other people
- can keep calm in stressful situations
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FAQs about agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeships
How do agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do.
How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. To succeed in the role, you’ll need soft skills like passion, a caring nature, and the ability to work under pressure.
What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?
The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour, but many employers offer more than this. You’ll need to have a look at some vacancies to get an idea of what the salary would be.
When we’re recruiting our apprentices, we’re not looking for people with lots of experience or prior knowledge… what we’re really looking for is a huge amount of enthusiasm for what we do. A willingness to learn the skills we need for the role is key.
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