level 2

Are you curious about a career in the agricultural industry? Working alongside animals in a hands-on role is a dream for many, and with apprenticeships it’s very much achievable. Here, we’ll explore the level 2 poultry worker apprenticeship and break down the requirements and responsibilities involved. 

Key duties and responsibilities of a poultry worker apprentice

The agricultural sector provides a wealth of different roles, ideal for those with a passion for food production or work involving animals. Before we take a deeper look at poultry worker apprenticeships, let’s start by finding out what a poultry worker does. Within a poultry worker career, you’ll be heavily involved in health checks, egg collection, animal feeding and much more. Your key role as a poultry worker is to raise the birds with optimal welfare, taking all their needs into consideration. Essentially, the focal point of a poultry worker apprenticeship is farming birds for their eggs or meat. 

While it’s possible to snag this role through means of study, experience and job hunting, an apprenticeship is an incredible way to get into the industry. With this agricultural apprenticeship, you’ll have the chance to pick up experience and knowledge while earning a salary at the same time.

Jobs and entry criteria for the level 2 poultry worker apprenticeship

By undertaking this apprenticeship, you’ll be gaining the skills and knowledge to start pursuing a poultry worker career in the agricultural industry. This is a technically advanced sector, with opportunities across both small family farms as well as large integrated organisations. Once your apprenticeship is completed, you’ll be able to move onto a higher technical role within the poultry industry. 

Already sounding like a dream opportunity? Not to worry, these apprenticeships are fairly accessible and aim to provide opportunities to people from all walks of life. In order to secure a poultry worker apprenticeship, you’ll need to be passionate about the industry and keen to progress within your role. As it’s a level 2 apprenticeship, there aren’t any formal requirements for this role, but this could change depending on the employer. You will, however, have to achieve a level 1 English and Maths qualification before the end point assessment if you don’t already have this. You’ll also have to take a test for level 2 English and Maths during your apprenticeship. 

How does the poultry worker apprenticeship work? 

If you’re new to apprenticeships, you may not be familiar with their structure and what you should expect from them. Let’s explore how poultry worker apprenticeships work and discover what you’ll be learning as part of this apprenticeship. 

Structure of the poultry worker apprenticeship

As is the case with apprenticeships, this programme is a combination of hands-on experience alongside study, finished off with an end point assessment. You can expect this apprenticeship to last anywhere between 12-18 months, after which you’ll be able to utilise your experience and progress onto a higher technical role. 

Apprentices will also have to provide a portfolio showcasing their progress throughout the apprenticeship, which can include illustrations, written summaries, and reports. To find out more about the assessment, check out the official assessment plan.  The EQA provider for this particular apprenticeship is Ofqual. 

If you’re unfamiliar with apprenticeship structures, you may also be unfamiliar with the levels system that they are presented as. The level of apprenticeship will determine the difficulty and pinpoint which educational level the apprenticeship is equal to. The poultry worker apprenticeship standard is set at level 2, which is considered an intermediate position and equal to a GCSE level. 

The poultry worker apprenticeship follows a ‘core and options’ approach, meaning you’ll have to complete apprentice work based on core knowledge and choose an option to focus on alongside it. In this instance, the core knowledge encompasses generic bird care. If you have a keen interest in a specific aspect of poultry farming, you may be able to opt for your focal area to be that. The available options you can expect to see are as follows: 

• Breeding
• Egg production
• Grow out
• Hatching
• Rearing

Poultry worker knowledge modules 

In relation to the aforementioned core section of this apprenticeship, poultry workers need to have knowledge of these core areas: 

• Types of poultry breed and species, including characteristics, behaviours, production cycle and general welfare requirements.
• Diet and water requirements based on the species and age or life stage of the animal. 
• Health and welfare issues and how to mitigate them as well as how to identify them. 
• Appropriate environmental conditions for the species and life cycle of each animal.
• Relevant technology and how to use it appropriately. 

For a full list of which areas of knowledge you’ll be assessed on during your end point assessment, read through the end point assessment plan outlined by the Institute for Apprenticeships.

Level 2 poultry worker core competencies

Alongside the host of knowledge you should gain throughout your apprenticeship, there is a set list of both skills and behaviours that you’ll need before you can go through your end point assessment. The core skills you need to possess include:

• Implementing biosecurity procedures – a vital component to any animal based role. 
• Following correct hygiene and food safety procedures, including safe entry and exit of the site. 
• Strong people skills – the ability to communicate effectively and work as a team is an essential skill within this role.
• Complying with the necessary legislation and guidelines such as the 5 freedoms. 

Now, let’s take a look at the behaviours you’ll be expected to exhibit as a poultry worker apprentice:

• Exhibiting a strong work ethic through attitude and diligence.
• Taking responsibility and ownership within your role, especially when it comes to animal welfare aspects. 
• Displaying challenge and determination, including a willingness to do additional work and providing consistent results. 
• Showing respect for others, assisting colleagues and sharing information within the team. 

As with the knowledge outline, you can find further information on the skills and behaviours within the end point assessment plan. 

Conclusion

The role of a poultry worker is certainly unique – with a pathway available to provide a fulfilling career to those interested. With agricultural and animal care roles often hard to break into, this is the perfect way to get started in the fast paced and rewarding agricultural industry. 
If this particular apprenticeship doesn’t feel like the perfect fit, why not have a read through our previous articles to find one that suits you? Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the world of apprenticeships.