Land-based service engineer
Level 2 · IntermediateAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A land-based service engineer carries out routine servicing and basic repairs on agricultural, groundscare, and outdoor power equipment at level 2. Apprentices work in dealerships, hire companies, or on farm, learning to diagnose simple faults and keep machinery in safe working order. The apprenticeship provides a foundation for progression to the level 3 technician standard.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems in land-based machinery work
Routine servicing procedures including oil changes, filter replacements, and adjustments
Safe use of workshop tools, lifting equipment, and diagnostic devices
Health and safety legislation relevant to workshop and field environments
Basic fault-finding techniques for mechanical and electrical issues
Correct use and storage of oils, lubricants, and workshop chemicals
How to complete service records and job sheets accurately
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out scheduled services on tractors, mowers, and outdoor power equipment
Replace filters, oils, belts, and other wear parts following manufacturer guides
Check and inflate tyres and inspect safety-critical components
Use basic diagnostic tools to identify common faults
Clean and prepare machinery after servicing before return to the customer
Complete job cards and maintenance records accurately
Work safely in workshop and outdoor environments at all times
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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