Do you fancy working outdoors in all weathers?

The National Apprenticeship Service has around 2,279 Apprenticeship vacancies in the West Midlands, on their apprenticeship vacancies website, many of them working outdoors with other colleagues, from an apprentice grounds man and assistant head green keeper to an apprentice tree surgeon and activity instructor.

But how do you fancy working outdoors with animals?

Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations, beginning some 6,000 years ago when sheep were kept for their milk, meat and wool.

Farms vary enormously, from hill farms with a flock of sheep, to vast mechanised arable farms that may be growing crops for bio-fuel.

As an apprentice, the nature of your work will depend on your employer. Working for a small company could mean you handle a wide range of responsibilities – alternatively, working for a large company might mean you take on a more specialised role.

An ‘apprentice shepherd’ vacancy is being advertised to work in Warwickshire on a modern pedigree sheep unit. This apprenticeship offers a huge range of opportunities for working on livestock or arable farms.

On this apprenticeship, you might learn skills, like how to look after herds, load and unload animals for transport, and assist during the breeding season, other opportunities studying for the agriculture apprenticeship may include how to prepare and cultivate sites for planting crops; operate a tractor with attachments; harvest and store crops; and maintain equipment and machines.

As an apprentice you will attend one of Warwickshire College’s six centres one day per week. The college has an outstanding grade by Ofsted and holds the Beacon status for being a ‘Place of Excellence’. You will receive the individual help, advice and be fully supported while you learn. There is an opportunity to progress on the management ladder in the business.

So what’s stopping you – visit https://apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk/navms/Forms/Candidate/Apprenticeships.aspx  to register to receive apprenticeship vacancy alerts, check out the apprenticeship vacancies in your area and apply online.