Vet technician (livestock)
Level 5 · HigherAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A vet technician (livestock) works with farm animals - including cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry - providing para-professional veterinary support to farmers and vets in agricultural settings. At level 5 you will develop advanced clinical and diagnostic skills, including the ability to carry out a wider range of procedures under veterinary direction. It is a career-defining route for those who want to combine a passion for animal health with working in the rural agricultural industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Livestock anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and production systems
Recognising and responding to common farm animal diseases and conditions
Herd and flock health planning in cattle, sheep, pigs, or poultry
Clinical procedures including sampling, vaccination, and treatments
Biosecurity, disease surveillance, and notifiable disease protocols
Animal welfare legislation and farm assurance standards
Data recording, medicines records, and farm health documentation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out health checks on groups of livestock on farm visits
Collect diagnostic samples such as blood, milk, and faecal specimens
Administer prescribed medicines and vaccinations as directed
Support vets during fertility work and routine herd procedures
Advise farmers on biosecurity and disease-prevention measures
Update medicines records and clinical logs after each visit
Communicate findings to the supervising vet and farm team
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 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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