Career Suggestion

Farm worker

Farm workers raise livestock and use machinery to plant and harvest crops.

Average salary (a year)

£20000.0 to £36000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college, such as:

  • practical farm animal care skills
  • agriculture
  • tractor driving
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Courses combine theory and practical skills and can include units on crop production, animal husbandry and operating farm machinery.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships might be relevant depending on the type of farming you're interested in:

  • General Farm Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Poultry Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Poultry Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Livestock Unit Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

It can take between 1 and 2 years to complete, depending on the apprenticeship you do.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct Application

There is no set route to become a farm worker but it might help if you:

  • have an interest in farming
  • enjoy working outdoors
  • have experience of working on a farm from a weekend or holiday job
  • have knowledge of basic mechanics

More Information

Career Tips

As a farm worker or tractor driver, you might work long hours especially during busy periods, such as lambing season and harvest time.

Salary can vary depending on the hours worked and the time of year. You may also get other benefits including:

  • free or subsidised accommodation
  • travel pay
  • profit shares
  • vehicle use
  • production bonuses

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in farming and agriculture from The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture and Tasty Careers .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties will depend on the type of farm you work on and the time of year.

As a farm worker on an arable or horticultural crop farm, you could:

  • carry out land-based operations, such as ploughing and land preparation
  • work as part of a harvesting team transporting cereal, grading crops or driving a forklift
  • maintain farm buildings and agricultural machinery
  • trim hedges, clear drains and ditches and mend fences and walls
  • support the management of healthy soils and plants

As a farm worker on a livestock or dairy farm, you could:

  • feed animals and clean out their living areas
  • operate milking equipment
  • look after the welfare of animals
  • make sure there are high standards of biosecurity and health and safety

Working environment

You could work on a farm.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

With training, qualifications and experience, you could:

  • supervise other farm workers
  • work as a contractor, maintaining machinery, or supply services to more than one farm
  • work in agricultural equipment and supplies
  • become an assistant farm manger, which may involve moving between farms to get experience or a promotion

Related careers

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