Apprenticeship training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Manage the livestock related tasks on the farm.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Apprenticeship category: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Maximum funding: £5,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Flock manager
  • Head shepherd
  • Head stockperson
  • Herd manager
  • Unit manager
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Plan, implement, monitor and review health and safety of self, others and livestock; including risk assessments and biosecurity policy.
  • Manage, monitor and evaluate the financial viability of delivered diets, using relevant resources
  • Maintain, analyse and utilize production records (both written and digital) to improve productivity and aid compliance
  • Implement breeding plan, monitor and manage the physical condition and check that selected stock are in the correct condition for breeding.
  • Use the most appropriate technology or digital system (for example, robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking) to ensure that livestock performance is optimised, and its health and welfare is maintained.
  • Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments, in different environmental and ground conditions
  • Carry out day-to-day management of unit conforming to current welfare legislation and current industry welfare codes, including planning for personnel and undertake key activities, to meet KPI’s
  • Implement, monitor, manage and review livestock health & welfare plan.
  • Ensure that grass and forage crops are of the appropriate quality and quantity in accordance with farm KPIs
  • Plan, implement, monitor and review movement of livestock at different stages of production cycle, including preparation of movement documents and allocating resource
  • Plan and implement cleaning procedures across the livestock unit, including management of manure and manage livestock in accommodation
  • Implement changes to policy and working practice, based on market factors such as price, supply chain requirements and new legislation
  • Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support business operation and development
  • Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer in accordance with health and safety requirements.
  • Identify need for euthanasia, contact relevant professionals and complete necessary paperwork

Full information on Livestock unit technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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