Apprentice Herdsperson

Working within the dairy herd, the apprentice will develop skills across all areas of livestock husbandry, including milking, feeding and caring for calves, moving and handling stock, monitoring animal health and welfare, maintaining records and supporting the safe and efficient running of the farm.

What you'll do

• Milk the dairy herd and follow correct milking procedures.
• Feed, care for and monitor calves and youngstock.
• Move and handle livestock safely around the farm.
• Check animal health, welfare and behaviour.
• Identify and report signs of illness, injury or disease.
• Prepare and provide feed, water and bedding.
• Clean and maintain livestock housing and equipment.
• Support breeding, calving and general herd management.
• Maintain accurate livestock and farm records.
• Follow farm biosecurity, hygiene and health and safety procedures.

Training

Training typically includes one day per week of off-the-job training at Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, HU17 8QG. The delivery arrangements, attendance requirements and off-the-job training hours will be discussed and confirmed at your college interview.

After the apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have the opportunity to progress into a permanent, full-time position-as a qualified member of the team.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4/C)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 4/C)

Things to consider

• The role is based on a working farm in a rural location, so reliable transport will be essential.
• Work will take place outdoors and in farm buildings in all weather conditions.
• Early starts, weekend work and some bank holiday working may be required due to the needs of the animals.
• The role is physically demanding and involves being on your feet, lifting, bending and carrying out repetitive tasks.
• You will work closely with cattle and must be confident around large animals.
• The farm environment can be noisy, muddy, wet and dusty, with strong smells.
• Duties may involve handling animal waste, bodily fluids and dealing with sick or injured animals.
• You will work around farm vehicles, equipment and machinery and must follow instructions and safety procedures carefully.
• Animal welfare comes first, so duties must be completed regardless of the weather or time of year.
• Appropriate protective clothing and equipment must be worn when required.

Benefits

The apprentice will receive the usual statutory holiday and sick pay entitlements, along with a staff discount on produce made and sold by the business.

About the employer

We pride ourselves on being a supportive and welcoming employer, with a strong level of staff retention. Many members of our team have remained with the business for a number of years and have developed long-term careers with us.

We are looking for the right candidate to join our team and build a career within the dairy and agricultural industry. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced members of staff who are keen to pass on their extensive knowledge, practical skills and understanding of the industry. This is a great opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable and genuinely interested in learning all aspects of dairy farming and livestock husbandry.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Livestock unit technician (level 3), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Working days will be discussed at interview. Hours are arranged on a rota, with two shift patterns: 3am to midday or 7am to 4pm.
• Start date: 30 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year