On a crop technician apprenticeship course, you’ll help increase crop or plant yields via the establishment, management, harvesting, and post-harvest operations, as well as conserving and improving the surrounding environment.
You’ll also need to keep up with technological advances and fresh ideas. Crop technicians must be self-motivated and work alone and as part of a team to execute their responsibilities safely and efficiently. Many companies now use automation for a range of routine tasks. Working with soil-based systems necessitates using large, technologically advanced equipment in open regions.
Crop technicians working in container-based systems may be needed to operate outside, but they will spend most of their time in controlled environments.
What you’ll learn
On a crop technician apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:
- Prepare seed bed/growing medium for maximum growth potential.
- Carry out the relevant establishment of crops for efficient growth.
- Control pests, weeds and diseases, including safe use, application and storage of chemicals.
- Carry out plant nutrient application or irrigation tasks to aid the crop’s growth.
- Carry out harvesting operations, including assessment of timing and quality.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.
Assessment methods
The End Point Assessment comprises three sections:
- Online multiple-choice test
- Practical demonstration
- Professional Discussion
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- have a full driving licence
You’ll need the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection if you advise on or sell pesticides in the UK. This is a legal requirement.
Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion
- Duration: 24 months
-
Level: 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
- Relevant school subjects: Maths
- Potential salary upon completion: £23,000 per annum
Apprenticeship standard
More information about the Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship standard can be found here.
Apprenticeship end point assessment
For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.