Countryside worker
Level 2 · IntermediateAgriculture, environmental and animal care 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Countryside Worker apprenticeship provides you with the practical skills to work in the countryside, carrying out habitat management, land maintenance, and conservation tasks under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. You will work outdoors in all weathers on a range of sites from farms and estates to nature reserves and parks. This Level 2 entry role is a great starting point for those passionate about the natural environment and wanting to build a career in land management or conservation.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Safe use of countryside hand tools, power tools, and machinery
Basic habitat management techniques - hedge laying, fencing, and ditch clearance
How to identify common UK plant and animal species
Health and safety responsibilities when working outdoors
Environmental and countryside legislation relevant to everyday work
Basic plant propagation and woodland management techniques
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out fencing, path maintenance, and gate installation tasks
Clear scrub, control invasive species, and carry out woodland coppicing
Operate pedestrian-controlled machinery such as brushcutters and mowers
Assist with wildlife surveys and biodiversity recording
Help with the upkeep of visitor facilities and countryside interpretation
Work safely in and around livestock, farm machinery, and rural environments
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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