Two new types of farming apprenticeships have been announced.

The General Farm Worker apprenticeship will help budding farmers take their first steps into the industry while the Livestock Unit Technician scheme hones in on more specialised areas of expertise.

As well as appealing to those already committed to a future in farming, the apprenticeships offer new opportunities for young people who, due to the pandemic, may now be looking to switch to a more secure career path.

School leavers and individuals entering into the world of agriculture for the first time will be able to start their journey with a level two General Farm Worker apprenticeship.

In this scheme the apprentice completing their training, which covers both arable and livestock, is able to progress to a level three qualification to gain a greater understanding of their chosen sector.

For Livestock Unit Technician, there are a number of progressive pathways to take which can help further their knowledge on livestock and management of people.

AHDB skills development manager Amie Burke said: “We‘re delighted that after an intense period of industry-wide collaboration, we’ve been able to get these two new standards over the line.

"We listened to the feedback from employers who said they needed a wider skillset among their new recruits and that is exactly how we have shaped these two new apprenticeships.

“Taken in conjunction with the three previously developed standards, this apprenticeship offers so much scope for development and covers a range of skills – all of which are essential as we look to the future of farming."

The General Farm Worker will work alongside their supervisor and support daily operations, including identifying and maintaining animal or plant health performance, as well as conducting routine tasks and assisting with general record keeping practices.

Apprentices that progress to a level three qualification will be in a position to manage tasks on farm, applying the skills they’ve learnt such as monitoring animal health and welfare from conception and birth through to the customer and to support business productivity.

The individual will be able to make key decisions on a day-to-day basis, ensuring the standards of cross compliance, farm assurance, biosecurity and infrastructure security are met.

For more information, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/trailblazer-apprenticeships.