- Company: Plumpton College
- Closing Date: 14-08-2026
- Location: Plumpton, Lewes
- Salary: Up to £26,701 per annum
- Hours: 40 hours per week including off-the-job training
- Contact Email: [email protected]
Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for students of all ages studying from Level 1 to Masters degree and across nineteen subject areas including agriculture, animal management, veterinary sciences, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.
Our approach is underpinned by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising — which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.
This is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in modern commercial agriculture while studying towards the Level 3 Livestock Unit Technician Apprenticeship. Working alongside experienced farm staff, you will gain practical experience across a range of livestock enterprises while developing the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed for a successful career in the agricultural industry.
This is a two-year fixed-term apprenticeship working 40 hours per week, including off-the-job training, with attendance at Plumpton College as part of the apprenticeship programme. You will also have opportunities to undertake additional industry qualifications, where appropriate.
You will:
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support the daily operation of the College Farm across dairy, beef, sheep and pig enterprises
- assist with livestock care, feeding, milking, calf rearing, lambing, calving, farrowing and routine animal health monitoring
- help maintain high standards of animal welfare, hygiene, biosecurity, cleanliness, and health and safety across the farm
- contribute to general farm duties including bedding, fencing, grassland management, machinery operation, crop work and record keeping
- work alongside experienced staff to develop practical skills in modern livestock technology and commercial farming systems
You will bring:
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enthusiasm for agriculture and livestock farming, with a genuine willingness to learn
- reliability, punctuality and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- physical fitness and a positive attitude towards working outdoors in all weather conditions
- a strong commitment to animal welfare, biosecurity and safe working practices
- a full UK driving licence, or be working towards one
We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 working days’ annual leave, 8 bank holidays and efficiency days as stipulated by the Senior Management Team. The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in-house Level 5 trained coaches.
Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.
Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
