This one-year programme designed for school leavers will introduce students to the basics of machinery, crop and animal husbandry and will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work on a modern farm.

Many students go on from this course to the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Agriculture and there is also the opportunity to gain a range of additional qualifications. 

What’s covered?

Here are some of the areas covered throughout the year:

• Unit 1 – Undertake work related experience in the land-based industries.
• Unit 2 – Environmental and land-based business.
• Unit 4 – Introduction to farm animal production.
• Unit 5 – introduction to land-based machinery operations.
• Unit 8 – participate in providing estate maintenance.
• Unit 14 – assist with agricultural crop production.

How will I learn?

You will learn a wide range of units through varied assessments.  This will combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge. You will also gain an insight into the Agriculture industry through work experience, both on the college commercial farm and through outside agencies.

How is it assessed?

The course is accredited by BTEC. We assess both practically and theoretically through the use of workbooks and set assignments.

Work Experience

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme. 

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all our students to learn more about careers support at Plumpton College or to explore your next step, contact Careers Hub on 01273892010 or email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Industry Work Placement

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.

There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

This course is available at both our Lewes and Netherfield campuses.

Future Opportunities

Following satisfactory completion of the full Diploma programme, students may progress on to the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (1 year), Diploma (2 year) or Extended Diploma (3 years).

This course could also provide entry in to an apprenticeship in Agriculture or full-time farm work such as assistant herdsperson, estate worker, machinery operator or general farm worker with crops or livestock.

Alternatively, there are numerous opportunities within the industry to to progress in to direct employment such as a general farm worker, machinery operator or stockperson.