Course Aim
This Diploma in Work-based Agriculture provides education and training to Level 3. The course reinforces production and management skills in a chosen livestock enterprise and provides the flexibility to combine work and education.
Course Content
Students study one of the following livestock enterprises
- Beef production
- Milk production
- Poultry production
and cover nutrition, grassland management, housing, records, animal health, selecting stock and if applicable milking.
There is also the opportunity to achieve additional awards.
Students who wish to achieve the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture and have not attained a Grade C or above in English, Mathematics or ICT at GCSE or an equivalent qualification, have to complete Essential Skills in:
- Numeracy
- Literacy
- Information and Communication Technology
Completion of Essential Skills are optional for students on the NPTC Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture.
Entry requirements:
NPTC Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture, NCA or equivalent, plus two Grade Cs or three Grade Ds at GCSE, or equivalent. Where applicants are over 18, length of relevant industry experience, performance in a multiple choice assessment and an interview will be used to determine suitability.
Start earning now
Funding may be available under the ApprenticeshipsNI training initiative. As an apprentice you will be in paid employment with an employer from the beginning of the programme. The hours worked and the amount paid will be agreed with your employer before you start employment.
Careers destinations
Level 3 students are employed in practical agriculture jobs. On completion of the course they will have the necessary skills to work in a variety of businesses connected with farming, mainly in the feed, agrochemical and fertiliser sectors.
Student View: Fionnbharr Hamill
Fionnbharr lives on a beef and sheep farm near Downpatrick and has always had a keen interest in farming, having completed his National Certificate course in Agriculture. Fionnbharr is currently completing his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Beef Production.
“I like the course because it allows me to get another qualification in Agriculture while working at home and gives me an opportunity to complete additional training courses which I will need on my home farm. I enjoyed the veterinary units and the opportunity to learn more about beef production and marketing.”
