Course overview
The Level 3 T Level in Agriculture (Crop Production) is a two year qualification designed to prepare students for employment or further study within the agricultural industry, with a focus on arable and crop production systems. This is a full-time course; you will spend 4 days a week at college and 1 day a week on your industry placement.
The course consists of two main components. The Common Core develops essential industry knowledge, including business and commercial understanding, sustainability, legislation, ethical principles, health and safety and safe working practices, and is assessed through two written examinations and the employer set project.
Learners also complete the Occupational Specialism in Crop Production, developing technical knowledge and practical skills related to crop establishment, management and harvesting.
In your first year, you’ll focus primarily on the common core content. In your second year, the emphasis shifts to your occupational specialism. Your core will be assessed in Year 1, and your occupational specialism will be assessed in Year 2.
Learning is delivered through a combination of theory and practical sessions using our dual purpose onsite farm, including arable areas, workshops and the wider farm estate. Students also complete a compulsory 315 hour employer led industry placement within a relevant crop production setting.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, which include English and Maths. We will consider progression from the successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification achieved at Merit with Grade 4 English and Maths.
• Some farming experience before commencing the course is essential, as is the ability to cope with written work. An employer-led industry placement of at least 315 hours will need to be completed across the qualification. This placement must be a crop production-based placement.
Course Structure
Course Description
The course is divided into the following key areas:
• Core (exam & project): Covers the core theory, concepts, and skills needed in all agricultural sectors, including health and safety, sustainability, ethics, business, communication, finance, equality, and relationship management.
• Pathway (exam & project): Health and Safety, Biosecurity, Supply Chain, Plant Growth & Development
• Specialism (practical & report writing): Focuses on crop production, giving you specialist knowledge and practical skills in planning, establishing, managing, and harvesting crops in field and container-based systems.
Progression
• Employment opportunities could see you working as an Agricultural contractor, Trainee agronomist, Agricultural technician, Fixed plant manager, Sprayer operator, Machinery technician, Farm trader, Grain store worker, Skilled tractor driver, Farm business secretary, Lecturer in agriculture, Skilled arable operator, Estate maintenance or being involved in Agricultural sales.
• Employment prospects for qualified and experienced young people with the right attitude are excellent as the industry is experiencing a skills shortage and many learners gain employment through or at their work experience placements.