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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.

How to get started, step by step

  1. 1

    Pick your specialism

    Livestock, crops, machinery, horticulture or agri-tech, taster days at land-based colleges and weekend farm work help you choose.

  2. 2

    Choose your level

    Level 2 needs no prior experience. Level 3 livestock, crop technician and engineering routes usually ask for GCSE maths and English at grade 4/C. Degree routes need A levels, T Levels or a Level 3 BTEC.

  3. 3

    Apply to farms and employers

    Unlike Big 4 schemes, many farm apprenticeships are advertised locally and through colleges, check Shine listings, college vacancy boards and the National Federation of Young Farmers' networks.

  4. 4

    Combine work and college

    You'll work on a farm or estate while studying at a land-based college one day a week or in block release, earning a wage throughout, sometimes with accommodation included.

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.
Do farming apprenticeships include accommodation?
Some do. Estate, dairy and livestock farms in rural areas often include low-cost or free accommodation as part of the package, especially for Level 2 and 3 roles. It is not guaranteed, always check the vacancy listing or ask at interview.
What are the hours like on a farm apprenticeship?
Expect early starts and seasonal peaks, lambing, calving and harvest mean longer days at busy times of year, balanced by quieter periods. Apprentices have the same working-time protections as other young workers, and college days are built into the working week.
Where can I study agriculture in the UK?
Specialist land-based colleges include Harper Adams University, Plumpton College, Askham Bryan, Reaseheath, Moulton, SRUC in Scotland, and many regional agricultural colleges. Apprentices usually attend college one day a week or in block release while working on a farm.
Is there a T Level in agriculture?
Yes — two: Agriculture, Land Management and Production, and Animal Care and Management. Each runs for two years with at least 315 hours on placement at a real farm, estate or animal care business. They suit people who already know they want to work in the sector but want more study time before committing to a full apprenticeship.

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Related guides

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