Course overview
Interested in agriculture and keen to develop practical skills while learning
at a pace that suits you?
The BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Agriculture is a great starting point if
you’re interested in farming and the wider land based industries, but have
limited practical experience. This hands-on course will introduce you to
agriculture while helping you build the skills, knowledge and confidence you
need for your next step.
You’ll learn through a combination of classroom sessions, practical
activities and work-based tasks. Based at our working farm and specialist
facilities, you’ll gain experience with livestock, crops, machinery and everyday
farm operations – all while developing your confidence working
outdoors.
Alongside your agricultural studies, you may also have the opportunity to
continue working towards English and maths qualifications where required.
Whether you want to progress to a higher-level agriculture course or begin
working in the land-based sector, this course will give you a solid foundation
for your future.
Modules
As part of the course, you’ll complete a series of practical work booklets covering topics such as:
- Getting organised and working with others
- Developing a personal progression plan
- Researching a topic
- Finding out about the land based sector
- Caring for and feeding animals
- Moving and accommodating animals
- Growing plants and preparing soil for planting
- Using land based machinery
What is it like to be a student on this course?
By completing this course, you will:
- Develop essential practical agricultural skills
- Gain experience working with livestock, plants and machinery
- Improve your communication, teamwork and organisational skills
- Increase your confidence in a practical learning environment
- Prepare for progression to a Level 2 Agriculture qualification or entry-level employment
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“While I was at Plumpton I soon found that I was particularly interested in dairy farming. In my middle year I had the chance to truly hone my skills as part of a farming business, which has certainly made me more employable.”
Holly Morris – Student, Level 3 in Agriculture
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 2 and above to include English and Maths OR an Entry level qualification in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 2 or functional skills entry level 3
Progression routes
After successfully completing the course, you can progress to the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture and continue developing your knowledge and practical skills.
Alternatively, you could take your first steps into an entry-level role within the agricultural or wider land based industries, putting your new skills into practice.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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