When we talk about apprenticeships at Hartpury College, we’re not just talking about qualifications. We’re talking about building skills for life and the technical expertise, confidence, adaptability and resilience that shape long-term careers in agriculture.
With more than 4,600 full-time students, including 600 studying Agriculture or Agriculture Engineering, and nearly 100 completing General Farmworker or Crop Technician Apprenticeships, Hartpury is one of the UK’s leading land-based education providers. Apprentices aren’t on the sidelines here. They are central to a thriving, industry-connected community.
Earn while you learn, with real responsibility
An apprenticeship means employment from day one. You earn a wage, gain hands-on experience, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, all while contributing meaningfully to your employer’s business.
At Hartpury College, apprentices split their time between the workplace and college, applying theory directly to practical agricultural environments. Alongside technical knowledge, they develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills, the kind of transferable skills for life that last well beyond the programme.
Apprentices truly are the lifeblood of projects and businesses. They bring energy, dedication and fresh perspective to the farms and organisations they support, and in return, they gain invaluable experience and mentorship.
Learning in a commercial farming environment
For those days when they’re learning on campus, apprentices learn on an award-winning commercial farm, spanning enterprises including:
· Dairy herd, with robotic dairy facilities
· Beef rearing unit
· Sheep flock
· Pigs
· Arable operation
· The Digital Innovation Farm
· Agricultural Engineering Workshops
The Digital Innovation Farm: Future-ready skills
Hartpury has invested over £7.5 million into its Home Farm site, including the Digital Innovation Farm, supported by key event sponsor, Lodders Solicitors. This cutting-edge development includes:
· An Agri-Tech Centre
· Agri-Tech Box Park
· Agri-Digital Studio
· SMART Livestock Hub
The site acts as a live innovation testbed where agri-companies can trial technology in real-world farming conditions. It supports farmer engagement, rural business growth, and digital upskilling, even deploying a Mobile Advanced Wireless Unit (5G trailer) to improve rural connectivity.
For apprentices, this means they’re associated with an institution dedicated to emerging Agri-Tech, data-driven farming and future-focused innovation.
Industry at the heart of everything
Hartpury College works closely with employer stakeholders, including strategic partners such as Western Arable, to ensure industry shapes curriculum design and student experience.
Employers are invited to:
· Contribute to industry-curriculum co-creation events
· Exhibit at careers and industry showcases
· Offer short- and long-term work placements or apprenticeship employment
· Host events within the Agri-Tech Centre
· Develop ideas within the Agri- Tech Box Park
This significant employer engagement ensures apprentices receive relevant, high-quality training aligned with real workforce needs.
Inclusive pathways and social mobility
By combining employment with education, apprenticeships promote:
· Inclusivity and diversity, also opening the industry up to those from non-farming backgrounds as well as those from farming backgrounds
· Financial independence
· Career progression
· Long-term professional confidence
They are a powerful driver of social mobility, opening doors into management, innovation, further study and leadership within the agricultural sector.
A foundation for the future
Choosing an apprenticeship at Hartpury College means becoming part of a specialist, industry-connected community that values innovation, collaboration and practical excellence.
You gain:
· Industry-recognised qualifications
· Hands-on commercial farming experience
· Exposure to cutting-edge Agri-tech
· Employer connections
· Transferable skills for life
At Hartpury, apprenticeships don’t just prepare you for your first job — they prepare you for a lifetime in agriculture.
Learn more today.
