- Attendance
- 1 Day a week | In person OR online (varies throughout the course)
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
This qualification offers an engaging programme to support adult learners who want to pursue a career in the agriculture sector. It is intended as a Tech Level qualification. This size of qualification allows learners to work full/part time alongside it. The qualification can prepare learners for a range of roles in the agriculture sector, or direct entry to roles such as trainee agricultural technician or general farm worker.
When taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications, it supports progression to a range of higher education courses in agriculture or agricultural sciences.
Modules
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to ensure that the content is appropriate for those interested in working in the sector. In addition, higher education representatives have been involved to ensure that it supports progression to higher study.
Units of study
| Number | Title | GLH |
| 1 | Professional Working Responsibilities (Mandatory) | 120 |
| 4 | Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors (Mandatory) | 60 |
| 8 | Land based Machinery Operations | 60 |
| 28 | Applied Agricultural Farming Practice (Mandatory) | 120 |
Assessment
All learners taking this qualification will be required to engage with sector employers as part of their course, including 75 hours of work experience with an employer in the sector, where opportunities will be given to develop practical skills in preparation for employment.
- Mandatory content (83%).
- External assessment (33%).
What could this qualification lead to?
This qualification will prepare adult learners for direct employment in the agriculture sector and is suitable for those wishing to enter a particular area of work, such as:
- general farm worker
- agriculture technician
- trials officer
- crop technician
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Agriculture is generally taken alongside other employment as part of a programme of learning, so learners will be able to progress to a range of specialist job roles.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will be invited to an online interview with the relevant course leader/s.
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.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
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 depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.
