Crop Technician

Crop Technician

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.

Updated on January 24, 2024

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