Agriculture Certificate

Course information

Agriculture is arguably the most important industry in the world and without the food, clothing and fibres it provides, we simply wouldn’t survive. Now an industry with highly-mechanised processes, employment in this sector goes beyond farm workers and managers to engineers, consultants and scientists.

This is a full-time course for anyone who wants a broad introduction to the agricultural industry. Throughout the course you will develop skills and knowledge in a range of farming disciplines and technologies.

You can expect to develop a wide range of skills across the range of farm enterprises. You are also required to complete 150 hours of work experience as a core element of your study programme, providing invaluable exposure to the industry.

We are very proud of our Home Farms at Bicton College and Duchy College Stoke Climsland, which both incorporate dairy herds, the milk from which is sold to Saputo UK (formerly Dairy Crest) and is used to make Cathedral City cheddar. Bicton Home Farm totals 147 hectares used for grass and crop production, as well as a central area of parkland, on which we support a flock of 120 Mule ewes. We have many upgrades and improvements planned.

Duchy College Home Farm totals 240 hectares of farmed land, including grassland, forage maize, winter wheat and spring barley, a flock of 100 February lambing Highlander cross Texels, a flock of 100 pure Highlanders, as well as three breeding sows and their piglets. We are currently developing a new 200 cow dairy unit.

What You Will Learn

You will learn a wide range of farming skills, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of how the farm really works as well as safe and effective working, animal production, crop husbandry, the use of machinery, as well as plant and animal physiology.

Entry Requirements

English or Math at grade 4 and 3 other GCSEs at grade 3 or above

Work Experience

You are required to complete 150 hours of work experience as a core element of your study programme, providing invaluable exposure to the industry.

Progression

Subject to grades achieved you can continue your studies with our Agriculture Diploma Level 3 or our Agriculture Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 or go into employment. Careers in this industry - General farm worker - Farm management - Agricultural research - Dairy herd management - Machinery operation - Agricultural consultancy - Agricultural sales - Animal nutrition - Agronomy - Overseas development - Agricultural contracting

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Set on stunning rolling hillsides, our campus epitomises the very best of land-based education. The recent addition of the £4 million Future Farm research facility means students and businesses are at the heart of the next evolution of environmental farming. Whether it’s a love of horses, sport, protective services, heavy machinery or animal care, nobody forgets their time at Duchy College Stoke Climsland. It’s time to secure your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about our Stoke Climsland campus

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Understanding SFI and how to make it work for you – Stoke Climsland

Employer Training

• Dates
  14th November 2024, 11:00am - 1:00pm
  

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• Dates
  18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  15th May 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  

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