Featured Image by Freepik
Does the world of agriculture and poultry jobs interest you? If so, a Level 3 Poultry Technician could be a perfect pathway to kicking off your career!
Jobs and Entry Criteria
A completion of the Level 3 Poultry Technician apprenticeship can strongly lead to other agriculture jobs or other poultry farm positions in areas such as control, monitoring and management of processing operations or distribution, service and retail operations – if you don’t wish to take the natural progression to a poultry farm manager.
Poultry Technician: Overview
A Poultry Technician is responsible for the management and control of a complex poultry farming site or operational agriculture (hatchery) unit. This includes having responsibility for the performance and results of their site, raising animals with optimal welfare and consideration for their needs throughout their different life stages, hygiene compliance at all times, safety and bird welfare legislation – as well as customer standards which extend beyond legislative compliance, facility maintenance, and maintenance of the personnel of the site and all other site visitors.
The poultry technician job description outlines specific expertise and skills in agriculture jobs and duties relevant to their stage in the poultry supply chain – egg production, rearing, breeding, hatching or growing – along with knowledge of the other stages of the process.
Poultry Technician: Core Knowledge
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will demonstrate knowledge in the following:
- Relevant species/breed, its anatomy, diseases, feed requirements, and general characteristics.
- Signals and behaviours to look for that indicate health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them.
- Safety, hygiene and biosecurity legislation, codes and practice relevant to the operation and how they are applied effectively.
- Relevant welfare codes of practice, including the five freedoms, Freedom from hunger and thirst, Freedom from discomfort, Freedom from pain, injury or disease, Freedom to express normal behaviour, Freedom from fear and distress together with the specific requirements appropriate for the species / point in the growth cycle including environmental conditions, correct processes for culling disposal and despatch, manual handling/ transport procedures and stocking densities.
- End to end process of the operation, the stages within it and the understanding of how to deliver good performance as well as an awareness of the role of their operation within the wider supply chain.
- Performance requirements of the operation including relevant cost, growth, mortality, waste, hygiene and safety metrics and the techniques and expertise required to influence them to deliver effective performance.
- Standard operating procedures, methods of stock control, record keeping, and reporting relevant to their operation.
- Running of their operation in terms of facility management, knowledge of systems, technology, software, machinery, and equipment. Some examples include feed and water equipment, ventilation panels, egg packing machinery and incubation equipment dependant on the stage in the process.
- Necessary legislation, ethical code of practice and relevant policy and process, necessary to supervise and manage employees and contract/agency workers in their operation.
Poultry Technician: Core Skills
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop skills in the following:
- Site Upkeep
- Health and Safety
- Biosecurity
- Hygiene and food safety
- Bird Handling
- Welfare
- Environment
- Operations
- Standards
- People
Poultry Technician: Core Behaviours
Throughout your apprenticeship you will demonstrate the following behaviours:
- Leads by example, through their actions and behaviour, shows a strong work ethic through punctuality, consistent standards, diligence in the quality of their work, a positive attitude and good attention to detail.
- Takes appropriate responsibility and ownership of decision making for good welfare practice, care of animals integrity/ethics in the process and site standards.
- Challenges themselves and others, embraces new ways of thinking, and encourages others to do the same. Displays a positive mind set, through their willingness to learn, proactive approach, ability to act on their own initiative, and willingness to solve problems and acquire new skills.
- Manages and coaches others effectively, work well with colleagues and, communicates and gives feedback effectively, shows respect for other people and gives them time and support.
- Looks to continuously improve their operation, adapt quickly to changing conditions, technologies, situations and working environments. Able to prioritise effectively and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Maintains quality of work under pressure, demonstrates resilience and determination, shown in their commitment, consistency in results and overall dedication to their work.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will also need to demonstrate a minimum range of specialist knowledge and skills from one of the following options: rearing, breeding, egg production, hatching or bird grow out unit.
Poultry Technician: Considerations
Duration: 18 to 24 months is the expected average duration.
Level: This Standard is set at Level 3.
Qualifications: Apprentices will need to achieve Level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the endpoint assessment (EPA).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Poultry Technician apprenticeship is a valued pathway to securing a place among agriculture jobs, equipping qualified young people with the extensive knowledge and skills, as well as the experience, to thrive in a higher role in the industry.
To find out more about other apprenticeships within agriculture, as well as in environmental and animal care, please click the button below!
About Us
ApprenticeTips.com is a london apprenticeships provider offering valuable information, updates and guidance for apprenticeships across the UK.
Click here to download our Free EPA Interview Tips eBook.