Develop the skills needed for employment or further study in agriculture with this wide-ranging introduction to the industry. The course covers topics including livestock, crops, machinery, animal science and estate skills, with a mix of practical and theory learning. Students who successfully complete this course often progress onto our Level 3 programmes where there is an option to specialise in Livestock, Arable or Farm Mechanisation pathways.
4 GCSEs
at grade 3 (old GCSE grade D) or above to include two from English, maths and Science, with at least a grade 2 (old GCSE grade E) in the remaining subject. Alternatively a suitable Level 1 vocational qualification with English and Maths at Level 1.
Free
for students over the age of 19 please contact us
This is year long combined practical and theory based course with an emphasis on developing your practical skills. You will also undertake theory sessions that will unpin your understanding of lessons on practical sessions. A work placement one day a week is also required as part of the course.
Course Themes:
A work experience day is built into the course to further enhance your practical skills. A feature of the course is the visits we undertake to a range of organisations, farms, shows and demonstrations. Your course is assessed by:
Additional qualifications are offered at the commencement of the programme. Courses may include rough terrain fork lift truck operation, ATV training, tractor driving as well as health and safety in agriculture. Additional charges may apply.
The York campus has access to Westfield Farm and Home Farm, which is based in nearby Askham Richard.
4 GCSEs at grade 3 (old GCSE grade D) or above to include two from English, maths and Science, with at least a grade 2 (old GCSE grade E) in the remaining subject.
Alternatively a suitable Level 1 vocational qualification with English and Maths at Level 1.
After successful completion of this course, at a minimum of Merit level, you have the opportunity to study a Level 3 qualification in Agriculture.
An alternative study route would be to continue your studies on Work-Based Learning pathways.
Progression and Development Sessions
All students enrolled on a Level 2 or Level 3 course will be required to attend Progression and Development sessions every week. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics from careers and employability, British Values and equality and diversity to essential life skills such as mental health and wellbeing, drugs and alcohol and personal safety.
A relevant agricultural work placement is required. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours on work placements. Ideally students should find their own work placement provider, however we do have a list of providers which we may be able to contact should you be unsuccessful in finding a placement independently.
While most students undertake placements on farms, we have had students carry out their work placements in auction marts, farm shops, agricultural contracting businesses, machinery dealerships and country stores. Work placement may be carried out on family home farms.
Students are expected to buy PPE, consisting of overalls and steel toe capped boots for practical sessions. A normal range of stationery is required for theory sessions.
Trip costs are kept to a minimum wherever possible, trip information will be provided at the start of the course.
York is the College's residential campuses and is located just four miles from York city centre. At York we offer a full range of subject areas and levels including Apprenticeships, Level 1-3 Diplomas, Foundation, Top Up and BSc Honours Degrees.
A different place to study
A wonderful 'green' space to enjoy
“Studying at the college has been an amazing experience. I really enjoy the practical sessions, especially working with livestock, as they’re both interesting and useful. This course is giving me the skills and confidence I need to follow my ambition of working in the agricultural industry after college.”
“I really enjoy learning how to drive tractors and how to put fences up. The team at the college are amazing and they are helping me with my future goals.”
“The livestock practicals are my favourite as you get to learn a variety of systems of working stock. The course is also helping me to go onto the T-level which is the next step up from this course.”
Look through our options for under 18 and over 18 accommodation at York
We have plenty of routes and stops to try and make it easier for you to study with us
Find out if we can help you financially to remove any barriers to college
