We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a General Farm Worker Apprentice on our mixed farm, working with pigs, beef cattle, and arable crops. This hands-on apprenticeship will give you experience in all aspects of farm life, mentored by experienced staff, alongside structured training toward a nationally recognised qualification.
Ivy House Farm is a 160 Ha mixed farm, based between Ashbourne and Derby with 2000 pigs, 150 head cattle including Wagyu beef calves and stores and a pedigree Red Ruby Devon suckler herd. Arable crops include wheat, barley, field beans and OSR.
Main roles:
- Assisting with the daily care of livestock for pigs and cattle including bedding, feeding, handling and moving, health and welfare monitoring, record keeping.
- Operate farm machinery (tractors, ATV) and other farm machinery safely for livestock care and crop production.
- Helping with soil preparation, planting, and harvesting of arable crops.
- Carrying out general maintenance and cleanliness of buildings, equipment, fencing and fields.
- Assisting with machinery maintenance – routine maintenance and repairs.
- Following all health, safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare guidelines
Personal qualities:
- A strong interest in mixed farming and agriculture
- Reliability, motivation, and a willingness to work in all weather conditions
- Good practical and problem-solving skills
- Team spirit and communication abilities
- No experience required – just a genuine desire to learn
An appropriate driving licence is desirable but not essential. Previous farming experience would be an advantage. This is an outdoor role which requires a fitness level to enable you to achieve this. You will be on your feet for long periods and there will be a certain amount of lifting. There is no accommodation available and public transport the bus service to the village is 1 mile away, so please make sure you can reliably get yourself to and from the location daily before applying for the role.
Completion of this course may lead to you progressing on to a Level 3 apprenticeship or further college course. It may also lead to general employment within the agricultural industry.