Level 2 Agriculture

You will need 3 GCSE's at grade 3-9 including English, Maths and Science. Or a relevant Level 1 qualification.

You will be guided and monitored throughout your study programme and assessed to ensure that you are ready for online tests in health and safety and agricultural subject areas covered. You will undertake a synoptic assessment that will assess your skills and knowledge over the whole spectrum of the course. Evidence of 150 hours work experience placement will also be completed.

During the programme you will gain practical skills and knowledge around Farming and the Agriculture industry, including Machinery operation, Crop husbandry, Animal production, Estate maintenance. You will also have opportunities to complete masterclasses in Safe use of farm vehicles and Safe Use of veterinary medicines. You will gain practical work experience with a work placement allowing you to participate in the world of work and gain practical experience that is relevant to both the qualification and future employment possibilities. The programme also includes Maths and English (see below) and a certain amount of self-study. This will help you become more independent and prepare you for employment in the sector, a further level three course or an apprenticeship.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

This Level 2 Agriculture is for students over 16 years old who a keen to learn and work in the farming sector. During the programme you will gain practical skills and knowledge around farming and the agriculture industry, including machinery operation, crop husbandry, animal production, estate maintenance. You will also have opportunities to complete masterclasses in safe use of farm vehicles and safe use of veterinary medicines.

You will gain practical work experience with a work placement allowing you to participate in the world of work and gain practical experience that is relevant to both the qualification and future employment possibilities. The programme also includes maths and English (see below) and a certain amount of self-study. This will help you become more independent and prepare you for a career in the sector, a further level three course or an apprenticeship.

Agricultural power units and machinery operation - Use and maintain power units and agricultural machinery. Types of machinery can include tractors, telescopic handlers, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the opportunity to drive and operate agricultural machinery, hitch and unhitch attachments.

Crop husbandry - Explore and understand how agricultural crops are grown from seed to maturity and the factors that influence the wide variety of agricultural crop production in the UK today. Opportunity to analyse soil samples to help ensure crop health and sustainability.

Farm animal production - Understand the requirements for the farming of agricultural animals. Explore the variety of animals and breeds that can be farmed successfully in the UK. Experience caring for animals on a day to day basis and how this is influenced by the farming year and local environmental considerations of animals farmed in the UK today.

Farm estate maintenance - Develop the skills used to maintain elements of the farm and estate environment including boundaries and structures. Keeping a farm estate well maintained ensuring the wellbeing and safety of both livestock and farm workers. Work practically with equipment to fix things that are broken, problem solve and make a real difference to how the environment of a farm estate looks and operates.

Physiology of plants and animals - Investigate the physiology of plants and animals found in agricultural settings. Understand the importance of how plants and animals ‘work’, to ensure they are kept healthy and are given the environment and conditions.

Working in the Agriculture industry – Know the structure of the agriculture industry, know employment rights and responsibilities and understanding the organisation of business.

Health and safety for the land-based industries – Understand the impact legislation has on land-based industries, understanding risk assessment requirements and safe working practices when working in land-based industries.