This occupational standard has options. This document is currently showing all options.
T Levels focus on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
With over 150,000 businesses, the agriculture and horticulture industries form the vital starting point for both the food and landscaping industries which account for over 14% of the British GDP. As a result they offer exciting and varied careers in the UK and abroad. The industry provides unique opportunities for people to work in a technically advanced and innovative environment. Businesses within the industry range from small enterprises through to international organisations. Work in soil based systems involves operating large, technically advanced machinery in the open fields. Working outdoors, means there is variety and challenges to overcome. Similarly Crop Technicians working in container based systems may work outside but for many the majority of work will be in controlled environments, which need monitoring and adapting to suit the growth stage/species growing. As a Crop Technician you will be responsible for optimising crop/plant yields through establishment, management, harvest and post-harvest operations, while maintaining and improving the surrounding environment. You will also need to keep up to date with technological advances and new innovations. Being a Crop Technician requires self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Many companies now use automation for a number of routine tasks, which will require technical skills to operate. This standard provides the opportunity for individuals to acquire the ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’ and ‘behaviours’ required and follows a ‘core and options’ approach. This allows the flexibility to learn core subjects and then specialise in either ‘soil based system’ or ‘containerised systems’.
K1: Health and safety legislation and codes of practice in relation to the job role/workplace including contingency/emergency plans
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K2: Practical health and safety information to ensure everyone is safe in the workplace
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K3: Environmental issues/legislation, codes of practice and company policies
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K4: Importance of maintaining systems for record keeping and storage used within the organisation
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K5: Maintenance/efficient use of machinery and equipment
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K6: Preparation methods, timing of activities and aftercare requirements for the crops grown on-site
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K7: Crop identification and establishment process including principles and methods
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K8: Principles of plant growth and development and plant health
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K9: Input costs, cost of production, margins and impact on business profitability
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K10: Identification of key pests, weeds and diseases and awareness of control mechanisms including potential impact on environment
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K11: Relationship between environmental conditions (including weather), plant protection methods and crop growth
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K12: Importance of maintaining good standards of hygiene and environmental control relating to crop/food storage (where relevant)
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K13: Quality standards and specifications relevant to their business and their importance
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K14: Difference growing mediums and their impact/relevance to production on site.
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K15: Impact of machinery on soil structure and potential damage.
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S1: Overarching: Promote and maintain health, safety and security
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S2: Overarching: Manage accurate records within the workplace
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S3: Overarching: Maintain and operate machinery and other equipment to allow safe and efficient operation
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S4: Crop Establishment: Prepare seed bed/growing medium for maximum growth potential
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S5: Crop Establishment: Carry out relevant establishment of crops for efficient growth
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S6: Vehicle Operation: Competently operate (to the equivalent of a certified level) a relevant vehicle used in the business
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S7: Crop Management: Control of pests, weeds and diseases including safe use, application and storage of chemicals
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S8: Crop Management: Carry out plant nutrient application and/or irrigation tasks if applicable to aid growth of crop
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S9: Harvest: Carry out harvesting operations including assessment of timing and quality
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S10: Harvest: Appropriate harvesting techniques to match crop condition and quality requirements
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S11: Harvest: Operate to high levels of hygiene
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S12: Storage: Store crops in suitable conditions to maintain quality
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S13: Maintenance and Preparation: Soil/substrate maintenance tasks to ensure efficient and healthy growth of the crop/plant
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S14: Maintenance and Preparation: Soil/substrate sampling and acting upon results as appropriate to ensure nutrition is correct
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S15: Optimise growth conditions for specific crops, based on the individual needs of the plant relative to environment
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S16: Maintenance of productive and non-productive areas
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S17: Plant removal
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S18: Correctly set machinery and monitoring machine performance for good seed establishment and crop growth
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S19: Correctly set machinery to match crop and soil condition and quality requirements during harvest
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S20: Maintenance of non-productive areas
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B1: Strong work ethic: Strong work ethic including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity, honesty, time management, loyalty and respect for others
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B2: Strong work ethic: Positive attitude, motivated, dependable, ethical, responsible, flexible and reliable
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B3: Strong work ethic: A willingness to learn and contribute to their own continuing professional development
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B4: Strong work ethic: Ability to take responsibility and be accountable for their own actions
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B5: Adaptability: Able to adapt to change in environmental conditions, technologies, situations and working environments
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B6: Adaptability: Willingness to accept changing priorities and work patterns when new jobs need to be done, or requirements change
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B7: Effective communicator: Being a clear and effective communicator
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B8: Effective communicator: Able to give/receive information and instruction accurately and in a timely and positive manner
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B9: Team working: Work and contribute effectively in a team
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B10: Team working: Willing to use own initiative and seek help when appropriate
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B11: Team working: Work proactively with internal and external people to achieve positive outcomes
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B12: Safety awareness: Embrace a safety culture and apply proactively for self, colleagues and visitors
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Qualification type: T Level
Qualification level: 3
Awarding organisation: City & Guilds
Approval date: 01/06/2023
Available from: 01/09/2023
Occupational specialism: Crop and Plant production
ST0018 Crop technician
Options: Container Based System , Soil Based SystemCrown copyright © 2024. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence