Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture (1080)

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Agriculture AG217A01/20/2 Further Education

Course Information

This qualification is highly respected within the farming community and is suitable for both school leavers and mature students. It is designed to provide you with a very wide range of specialist technical practical skills and detailed knowledge and understanding which will equip you to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, or to further learning and training within the agricultural industry. This qualification gives you the opportunity to learn about and build on the essentials of working in farming such as safe working practices in farming, livestock husbandry and crop production, plant and soil science, estate skills and operating agricultural machinery as well as business skills.

In your first year you will complete the units for the Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture. In your second year you specialise in either livestock, arable or farm mechanisation (subject to numbers). You will have the opportunity to work with local employers who will contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training. Employers will provide demonstrations and talks on the industry and where possible work placements will also be provided by the employers. This practical based training is ideal preparation for gaining employment in the agricultural industry or progression to specialist further study, including a range of degree courses.

Employment prospects for qualified and experienced young people with the right attitude are excellent as the industry is experiencing a skills shortage.

Overview

Qualification
  • Level 3 - Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture (1080)
Course Content
  • Year 1
    Principles of health and safety
    Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
    Land-based industry machinery operations
    Agricultural crop production
    Plant and soil science
    Undertake estate skills
    Livestock husbandry
    Business management in the land-based sector
    Land based power units
    Forage crop production

    Year 2
    You will be able to select one of the following three pathways:
    Livestock
    Arable
    Farm mechanisation

    Additional qualifications are available (subject to satisfactory attendance and completion of assignments). They will include City & Guilds (NPTC) Tractor Driving and Related Operations, C&G Level 2 Award in Safe Working in Agriculture, First Aid, Manual Handling, Telehandlers, PA1/2, ATVs, Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines and Animal Transport. In most cases only assessment fees need to be paid by students wishing to achieve these additional qualifications

    Students will also be given the opportunity to develop their practical skills on the College farm, which will include weekend and early morning duties.The second year of the course includes a week long study tour to Europe.
Entry Requirements
  • 4 GSCEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and maths and science OR a relevant Level 2 Certificate at Distinction level, OR an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Agriculture with good levels of English and maths. Mature students lacking formal qualifications will also be considered. Enthusiasm, relevant practical experience and the ability to cope with written work is required.
Next Steps
  • FdSc Applied Agricultural Science
Career Opportunities
  • Herdsperson/Shepherd/Dairyman, Agricultural contractor, Assistant poultry unit manager, Trainee agronomist, Agricultural technician, Fixed plant manager, Sprayer operator, Machinery technician, Farm mechanic, Dairy worker, Farm trader, Grain store worker, Skilled tractor drivers, Farm business secretary, Lecturer in agriculture, Skilled arable operator, Estate maintenance, Dairy manager, Agricultural sales, Land maintenance.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
07-Sep-2020 (Already Started) 24-Jun-2022 9.15 a.m. 4.45 p.m.
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Yr1 Mon - Wed, Yr2 Wed - Fri 210
Course Fees

There are no course fees for eligible students aged 16-18. Students aged 19-25 may also be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on their circumstances.
Study tour in second year: approx. £500Assessment fees for some additional qualifications - usually between £80 and £150 per qualification for certificates of competence. For some additional qualifications a contribution towards the cost of training may also be required.

Materials Required

Basic Stationery; Calculator, Pens, paper and lever arch files. Suitable Outdoor Clothing - The clothing must be suitable for environment, weather and time of year, Protective Overalls, Steel Toe Capped Work Boots, Steel Toe Capped Wellington Boots, Hi-vis yellow vest. AEL Uniform (polo shirt and sweat shirt). Tetanus protection is recommended. All protective equipment will be inspected by the Course Manager

What's next?

Applications for this course are now closed. If you'd like to know when there will be another or need more information we are happy to answer any questions.