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Live UK agriculture apprenticeships

Agriculture apprenticeships

Farming, livestock, crops, horticulture, agri-tech and food production, Level 2 to degree. Get paid, work outdoors, and train in one of the most skills-short sectors.

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What is an agriculture apprenticeship?

An agriculture apprenticeship pays you to train in farming, livestock, crop production, agricultural engineering, horticulture or agri-tech. UK programmes run from Level 2 to degree level, usually two to four years, and combine work on a farm or estate with college study. No previous farming experience is needed.

Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.

Agriculture routes on Shine

Livestock

Beef, sheep, dairy and pig technician apprenticeships across UK farms.

Crops & arable

Crop technician and arable apprenticeships, soil, agronomy and harvest.

Agricultural engineering

Maintain and operate tractors, harvesters and on-farm machinery.

Agri-tech & precision

Drones, GPS, sensors and data, modern farming roles that pay well.

Horticulture

Production horticulture, landscaping and nursery apprenticeships.

Food production

Food and drink operative and food technologist apprenticeships.

Agriculture apprenticeship FAQs

What UK applicants and parents ask most about farming and agri-tech apprenticeships.

What agriculture apprenticeships are available?
UK agriculture apprenticeships cover general farm worker, livestock technician, crop technician, agricultural engineer, horticulture, poultry, dairy, agri-tech and precision farming, plus food and drink manufacturing. Levels run from 2 (Intermediate) to 6 (Degree apprenticeship in agriculture or agri-business).
How much do agriculture apprentices earn?
Level 2 farm apprentices typically start at £12,000–£16,000, often with accommodation included on estate or dairy farms. Level 3 livestock and crop technician apprenticeships pay £16,000–£22,000, and degree apprenticeships in agri-business or agricultural engineering pay £20,000–£28,000.
Do I need experience to do a farming apprenticeship?
No. Level 2 agriculture apprenticeships are designed for entrants with no professional farm experience. Employers value reliability, comfort working outdoors in all weather, and genuine interest in food production, animals or machinery. Volunteering or weekend farm work helps but is rarely required.
What is an agri-tech apprenticeship?
Agri-tech apprenticeships combine farming with technology, precision farming (GPS, drones, sensors), data and software for crop and livestock management, robotics in dairies, and agricultural engineering. They sit between traditional agriculture and tech, and pay well as UK farms modernise.
Are agriculture careers in demand?
Yes. Defra and the NFU report a long-term skills shortage across UK agriculture, especially in livestock, agricultural engineering, agri-tech and food production. With an ageing workforce and post-Brexit labour pressure, qualified young entrants are actively recruited.
What GCSEs do I need for an agriculture apprenticeship?
Level 2 agriculture apprenticeships often have no formal GCSE requirement. Level 3 livestock, crop technician and agricultural engineering routes usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in maths and English. Degree apprenticeships typically need A levels, T Levels or a Level 3 BTEC.

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Related guides

Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.