Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship

You will be provided with an advanced range of skills required to work competently as a supervisor within the horticulture industry.

You will be taught practical skills and theoretical background knowledge at College and will be expected to practise and develop these skills in the workplace.

College attendance is required on a weekly day-release basis.

As a Crop Technician you will be responsible for optimising crop/plant yields through establishment, management, harvest and post-harvest operations, while maintaining and improving the surrounding environment. You will also need to keep up to date with technological advances and new innovations. Being a Crop Technician requires self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player to complete tasks safely and efficiently Many companies now use automation for a number of routine tasks, which will require technical skills to operate. This standard provides the opportunity for individuals to acquire the ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’ and ‘behaviours’ required and follows a ‘core and options’ approach. This allows the flexibility to learn core subjects and then specialise in either ‘soil based system’ or ‘containerised systems’.

You must be employed – and committed to a career – within the agriculture industry. You will undergo an initial assessment before starting the programme to ensure that you are capable of achieving the outcomes and have an interest in this area of work.

You will ideally have a Level 2 qualification in Agriculture or relevant work experience in this area.

NB. If you do not currently have employment in the agriculture industry, we can help you with this too. Please look at our website for current vacancies.

The apprenticeship includes:

• Level 3 Crop Technician
• Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
• Level 2 Handheld applicator equipment OR Boom sprayer, mounted, trailed or self-propelled equipment
• Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides
• Functional Skills: English and Maths Level 2 depending on GCSE results

The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site at Broomfield Hall one day per week 

You will need safety boots, overalls, waterproofs and writing materials.

For apprentices over the age of 19, an employer contribution is required towards the cost of training.

On-programme assessment includes:

• Apprentice journal: the apprentice should record experiences gained through the learning
• Portfolio of evidence to demonstrate practical ability and theoretical understanding
• Written and practical tests: designed to prepare the apprentice for the end-point assessment and test seasonal elements
• Employer appraisals: to monitor performance

The end-point assessment consists of :

• A synoptic practical assessment containing a range of practical activities
• Professional discussion
• Online multiple-choice test of knowledge

You may consider taking your qualifications to the next level with a Level 4 programme or further management training.

This course is designed to give you a sound base of different horticultural skills and knowledge, enabling you to progress as a team leader in your chosen career area, or to move to other areas within the horticultural industry, after your training has finished.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk