Why Choose an Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship?
Agricultural engineering apprenticeships offer a hands-on, rewarding career path for those passionate about machinery, problem-solving, and the agricultural industry. Apprentices split their time between classroom learning and real-world experience, working alongside experienced professionals to develop the skills needed for a successful career.
At Crawfords Group, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of agricultural engineers by providing industry-leading training, state-of-the-art facilities, and exposure to cutting-edge machinery.
Meet Charlie Woodley – Our Level 3 Agricultural Engineering Apprentice
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re celebrating the hard work and dedication of our apprentices. So this week we caught up with Charlie Woodley, a Level 3 Agricultural Engineering Apprentice based at our Ropley depot. Charlie is currently 2.5 years away from completing his qualification, and his journey showcases the exciting opportunities available in this career path.
Studying at Moreton Morrell College – AGCO Apprenticeship
Charlie is enrolled in the AGCO Apprenticeship: Land-Based Service Engineering Technician in Agricultural Engineering – Level 3 at Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire. This apprenticeship is designed to provide a comprehensive education in agricultural engineering, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
Course Content
The course modules cover a wide range of essential subjects, including:
- Health and safety
- Workshop practices
- Engines
- Electrics/electronics
- Hydraulics
- Transmissions
One of the most critical skills Charlie is developing is complex diagnosis, which involves inspecting and testing mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems used in land-based machinery and equipment.
This apprenticeship delivers both theoretical and practical sessions in industry-standard training facilities, ensuring apprentices gain real-world expertise.
Course Length
The apprenticeship takes approximately 42+ months to complete. This includes 20% off-the-job training, gained by attending approximately 36 weeks at Moreton Morrell College. Additionally, apprentices receive enhanced technical and product training from AGCO at their nearby Training Centre.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the AGCO Apprenticeship, employers typically require:
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (Level 2) or better, including English, Maths, and Science, plus one other subject.
Qualifications Gained
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, Charlie will achieve the following qualifications:
- Level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, assessed through theory and practical exams, followed by a professional discussion with a Land-Based Industry Assessor.
- AGCO Core Technical Training.
- AGCO CVT and Hydrostatic Type Transmissions Training.
- AGCO Power Engines Training.
- AGCO Online Training.
Hands-On Learning & Real-World Experience
One of the biggest benefits of an agricultural engineering apprenticeship is the ability to learn on the job. Charlie spends part of his time at college gaining theoretical knowledge and the rest at Crawfords, putting that learning into practice. From day one, he has been working on real machines, developing technical skills, and growing in confidence.
“I enjoy getting hands-on with the products and tackling challenging repairs. No two days are the same, which makes it really interesting.” – Charlie Woodley
Learning from Experienced Agricultural Technicians
Charlie benefits from the mentorship of our highly experienced agricultural engineers, who guide him through different aspects of the job. Whether it’s servicing, pre-delivery inspections (PDIs), or repairs, Charlie is constantly learning new techniques and best practices.
Expanding Skill Sets with a Variety of Machinery
One of the best aspects of an agricultural engineering apprenticeship at Crawfords is the variety of machinery our apprentices get to work on. Charlie has even had the chance to work on Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks, which has helped broaden his skill set beyond agricultural machinery.
“The variation of jobs keeps things interesting. I’ve been able to work on tractors, pick-up trucks, and more, which means I’m always learning something new.” – Charlie Woodley
Next Steps – Career Progression After an Apprenticeship
With the new skills and qualifications gained through an apprenticeship, there are numerous career opportunities ahead. Apprentices may be eligible to register with the Land-Based Technician Accreditation Scheme (LTA) at the Intermediate level.
Why an Apprenticeship at Crawfords Group?
Choosing an agricultural engineering apprenticeship with Crawfords Group means gaining industry-leading training, working with a team of professionals, and developing a strong career foundation. Here’s what sets our apprenticeships apart:
- Hands-on experience with the latest agricultural machinery
- Industry-recognised qualifications and training
- Mentorship from experienced technicians
- Opportunities to work on a wide range of equipment, including tractors, pick-ups, and more
- A clear career progression path within the agricultural industry
Contact us for more information on our next scheduled apprenticeship intake.