Apprenticeship training course

Poultry worker (level 2)

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Information about Poultry worker (level 2)

Optimise the welfare of poultry and consider their needs throughout the different stages of their lives

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The relevant species or breeds, their characteristics, behaviours, production cycle, and welfare requirements. (Core)
  • Importance of food safety, including personal hygiene and good hygiene practice and procedures relevant to site environment. (Core)
  • Health and safety requirements for the individual and the workplace including relevant company procedures and legislative standards. (Core)
  • Safe and effective methods of operating and maintaining equipment appropriate to the site environment. (Core)
  • Importance of biosecurity and the procedures and controls that have to be in place to maintain it, including general security rules relevant to the site. (Core)
  • Environmental conditions relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Core)
  • Procedures for humane culling, storing and disposal. (Core)
  • 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 by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. (Core)
  • The impact of the poultry worker in relation to animal welfare. (Core)
  • Signals and behaviours that indicate animal health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them. (Core)
  • Business and industry legislative requirements, including industry assurance standards. (Core)
  • Methods for stock control, record keeping and reporting. (Core)
  • Relevant costs, waste management procedures, bird metrics and site targets necessary to deliver effective performance. (Core)
  • Relevant technology appropriate to the process, for example controls and software. (Core)
  • Procedures for handling, storing, moving and transporting birds and eggs. (Breeding)
  • Production targets for the appropriate breed or species. (Breeding)
  • Conditions and resources necessary to bring birds into lay. (Breeding)
  • The correct dosage and quality of semen used for artificial insemination and frequency required to maximise fertility where relevant to species. (Breeding)
  • The relevant species or breeds, their characteristics, behaviours, production cycle, and welfare requirements. (Core)
  • Importance of food safety, including personal hygiene and good hygiene practice and procedures relevant to site environment. (Core)
  • Health and safety requirements for the individual and the workplace including relevant company procedures and legislative standards. (Core)
  • Safe and effective methods of operating and maintaining equipment appropriate to the site environment. (Core)
  • Importance of biosecurity and the procedures and controls that have to be in place to maintain it, including general security rules relevant to the site. (Core)
  • Environmental conditions relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Core)
  • Procedures for humane culling, storing and disposal. (Core)
  • 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 by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. (Core)
  • The impact of the poultry worker in relation to animal welfare. (Core)
  • Signals and behaviours that indicate animal health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them. (Core)
  • Business and industry legislative requirements, including industry assurance standards. (Core)
  • Methods for stock control, record keeping and reporting. (Core)
  • Relevant costs, waste management procedures, bird metrics and site targets necessary to deliver effective performance. (Core)
  • Relevant technology appropriate to the process, for example controls and software. (Core)
  • Production targets for the appropriate breed or species. (Egg production)
  • Conditions and resources necessary to bring birds into lay. (Egg production)
  • Procedures for handling, storing, moving and transporting eggs. (Egg production)
  • Diet and water requirements relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Egg production)
  • The relevant species or breeds, their characteristics, behaviours, production cycle, and welfare requirements. (Core)
  • Importance of food safety, including personal hygiene and good hygiene practice and procedures relevant to site environment. (Core)
  • Health and safety requirements for the individual and the workplace including relevant company procedures and legislative standards. (Core)
  • Safe and effective methods of operating and maintaining equipment appropriate to the site environment. (Core)
  • Importance of biosecurity and the procedures and controls that have to be in place to maintain it, including general security rules relevant to the site. (Core)
  • Environmental conditions relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Core)
  • Procedures for humane culling, storing and disposal. (Core)
  • 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 by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. (Core)
  • The impact of the poultry worker in relation to animal welfare. (Core)
  • Signals and behaviours that indicate animal health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them. (Core)
  • Business and industry legislative requirements, including industry assurance standards. (Core)
  • Methods for stock control, record keeping and reporting. (Core)
  • Relevant costs, waste management procedures, bird metrics and site targets necessary to deliver effective performance. (Core)
  • Relevant technology appropriate to the process, for example controls and software. (Core)
  • How birds should be handled and placed in new environments. (Grow out)
  • Growth targets required for organisational purposes. (Grow out)
  • The equipment required to ensure the provision of appropriate environmental conditions and feed and water, for example, brooders, heaters, feeders, drinkers, lights, resources, appropriate conditions and feed and water provision required for brooding birds where applicable. (Grow out)
  • Procedures for handling, storing, moving and transporting birds. (Grow out)
  • Diet and water requirements relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Grow out)
  • The relevant species or breeds, their characteristics, behaviours, production cycle, and welfare requirements. (Core)
  • Importance of food safety, including personal hygiene and good hygiene practice and procedures relevant to site environment. (Core)
  • Health and safety requirements for the individual and the workplace including relevant company procedures and legislative standards. (Core)
  • Safe and effective methods of operating and maintaining equipment appropriate to the site environment. (Core)
  • Importance of biosecurity and the procedures and controls that have to be in place to maintain it, including general security rules relevant to the site. (Core)
  • Environmental conditions relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Core)
  • Procedures for humane culling, storing and disposal. (Core)
  • 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 by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. (Core)
  • The impact of the poultry worker in relation to animal welfare. (Core)
  • Signals and behaviours that indicate animal health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them. (Core)
  • Business and industry legislative requirements, including industry assurance standards. (Core)
  • Methods for stock control, record keeping and reporting. (Core)
  • Relevant costs, waste management procedures, bird metrics and site targets necessary to deliver effective performance. (Core)
  • Relevant technology appropriate to the process, for example controls and software. (Core)
  • Principles of vaccination and the importance of correct administration in line with business requirements. (Hatching)
  • Correct storage conditions for eggs. (Hatching)
  • Reasons why eggs would be unsuitable for incubation. (Hatching)
  • Appropriate incubation conditions and times relevant to the species. (Hatching)
  • How to recognise infertile eggs. (Hatching)
  • How to identify birds are fit for transport and procedures to follow when birds are deemed unfit for transport in line with legislation. (Hatching)
  • Procedures for handling, storing, moving and transporting eggs. (Hatching)
  • The relevant species or breeds, their characteristics, behaviours, production cycle, and welfare requirements. (Core)
  • Importance of food safety, including personal hygiene and good hygiene practice and procedures relevant to site environment. (Core)
  • Health and safety requirements for the individual and the workplace including relevant company procedures and legislative standards. (Core)
  • Safe and effective methods of operating and maintaining equipment appropriate to the site environment. (Core)
  • Importance of biosecurity and the procedures and controls that have to be in place to maintain it, including general security rules relevant to the site. (Core)
  • Environmental conditions relevant to the species and point in the life cycle and the impact of any change. (Core)
  • Procedures for humane culling, storing and disposal. (Core)
  • 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 by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. (Core)
  • The impact of the poultry worker in relation to animal welfare. (Core)
  • Signals and behaviours that indicate animal health or welfare issues and the actions required to mitigate them. (Core)
  • Business and industry legislative requirements, including industry assurance standards. (Core)
  • Methods for stock control, record keeping and reporting. (Core)
  • Relevant costs, waste management procedures, bird metrics and site targets necessary to deliver effective performance. (Core)
  • Relevant technology appropriate to the process, for example controls and software. (Core)
  • Growth targets required for organisational purposes. (Rearing)
  • Equipment, resources, appropriate conditions and feed and water provision required for brooding birds (Rearing)
  • The condition and physical characteristics of males suitable and unsuitable for breeding. (Rearing)
  • Procedures for handling, storing, moving and transporting birds. (Rearing)
  • Principles of vaccination and the importance of correct administration. (Rearing)
  • How birds should be handled and placed in new environments. (Rearing)

  Skills

  • Works in a safe manner and maintains a safe working environment. (Core)
  • Carries out the relevant site procedures and report incidents or unsafe conditions. (Core)
  • Implements and monitors site biosecurity rules and procedures and implements corrective actions when required. (Core)
  • Follows site security rules. (Core)
  • Implements site and personal hygiene procedures, including relevant rules for entering & leaving site. (Core)
  • Maintains a clean environment in line with agreed standards for the facility. (Core)
  • Applies and uses appropriate manual handling techniques. (Core)
  • Monitors and maintains the health of the bird or egg. (Core)
  • Diagnoses bird or egg condition and acts appropriately. (Core)
  • Operates environmental control systems in line with operating instructions or procedures taking into account the species and point in life cycle. (Core)
  • Maintains and operates equipment safely and effectively relevant to the age, breed and bird requirements, for example, ventilation, feeding equipment, drinking equipment, incubators, nest boxes. (Core)
  • Utilises technology and systems appropriate to the operation, for example, a computerised shed environmental management equipment, hatchery processing equipment, environmental testing equipment, egg grading and packing equipment. (Core)
  • Conducts appropriate equipment and welfare checks in a timely manner, and maintains, records in accordance with company procedures. (Core)
  • Monitors and reports performance metrics for operations. (Core)
  • Adheres to and applies welfare codes of practice including the five freedoms. (Core)
  • Applies and acts on business, industry and legislative requirements including industry assurance standards relevant to the operation. (Core)
  • Adapts communication style to suit the audience. (Core)
  • Uses problem solving skills in carrying out roles and tasks. (Core)
  • Interacts effectively with colleagues, managers and site visitors. (Core)
  • Assists with selection of suitable males for breeding and correctly identifies males suitable and unsuitable for breeding, in line with organisational requirements. (Breeding)
  • Assists with bringing birds into lay, (Breeding)
  • Collects, handles, grades, marks and stores eggs for breeding purposes in line with organisational requirements. (Breeding)
  • Assist with preparing and facilitating breeding in line with the species and organisation requirements. (Breeding)
  • Prepares facilities for arrival and departure of birds. (Breeding)
  • Assists with providing the appropriate conditions and resources necessary to bring birds into lay. (Breeding)
  • Measures the development of the birds using the appropriate method and equipment. (Breeding)
  • Handles birds in the appropriate manner and places in correct area in suitable quantities in accordance with defined codes of practice. (Breeding)
  • Moves and transports birds safely, effectively and compassionately without undue stress. (Breeding)
  • Works in a safe manner and maintains a safe working environment. (Core)
  • Carries out the relevant site procedures and report incidents or unsafe conditions. (Core)
  • Implements and monitors site biosecurity rules and procedures and implements corrective actions when required. (Core)
  • Follows site security rules. (Core)
  • Implements site and personal hygiene procedures, including relevant rules for entering & leaving site. (Core)
  • Maintains a clean environment in line with agreed standards for the facility. (Core)
  • Applies and uses appropriate manual handling techniques. (Core)
  • Monitors and maintains the health of the bird or egg. (Core)
  • Diagnoses bird or egg condition and acts appropriately. (Core)
  • Operates environmental control systems in line with operating instructions or procedures taking into account the species and point in life cycle. (Core)
  • Maintains and operates equipment safely and effectively relevant to the age, breed and bird requirements, for example, ventilation, feeding equipment, drinking equipment, incubators, nest boxes. (Core)
  • Utilises technology and systems appropriate to the operation, for example, a computerised shed environmental management equipment, hatchery processing equipment, environmental testing equipment, egg grading and packing equipment. (Core)
  • Conducts appropriate equipment and welfare checks in a timely manner, and maintains, records in accordance with company procedures. (Core)
  • Monitors and reports performance metrics for operations. (Core)
  • Adheres to and applies welfare codes of practice including the five freedoms. (Core)
  • Applies and acts on business, industry and legislative requirements including industry assurance standards relevant to the operation. (Core)
  • Adapts communication style to suit the audience. (Core)
  • Uses problem solving skills in carrying out roles and tasks. (Core)
  • Interacts effectively with colleagues, managers and site visitors. (Core)
  • Prepares facilities for arrival and departure of eggs. (Egg production)
  • Collects, handles, grades, marks and stores eggs in line with organisational requirements. (Egg production)
  • Monitor and provide feed and water. (Egg production)
  • Assists with providing the appropriate conditions and resources necessary to bring birds into lay. (Egg production)
  • Assists with bringing birds into lay. (Egg production)
  • Works in a safe manner and maintains a safe working environment. (Core)
  • Carries out the relevant site procedures and report incidents or unsafe conditions. (Core)
  • Implements and monitors site biosecurity rules and procedures and implements corrective actions when required. (Core)
  • Follows site security rules. (Core)
  • Implements site and personal hygiene procedures, including relevant rules for entering & leaving site. (Core)
  • Maintains a clean environment in line with agreed standards for the facility. (Core)
  • Applies and uses appropriate manual handling techniques. (Core)
  • Monitors and maintains the health of the bird or egg. (Core)
  • Diagnoses bird or egg condition and acts appropriately. (Core)
  • Operates environmental control systems in line with operating instructions or procedures taking into account the species and point in life cycle. (Core)
  • Maintains and operates equipment safely and effectively relevant to the age, breed and bird requirements, for example, ventilation, feeding equipment, drinking equipment, incubators, nest boxes. (Core)
  • Utilises technology and systems appropriate to the operation, for example, a computerised shed environmental management equipment, hatchery processing equipment, environmental testing equipment, egg grading and packing equipment. (Core)
  • Conducts appropriate equipment and welfare checks in a timely manner, and maintains, records in accordance with company procedures. (Core)
  • Monitors and reports performance metrics for operations. (Core)
  • Adheres to and applies welfare codes of practice including the five freedoms. (Core)
  • Applies and acts on business, industry and legislative requirements including industry assurance standards relevant to the operation. (Core)
  • Adapts communication style to suit the audience. (Core)
  • Uses problem solving skills in carrying out roles and tasks. (Core)
  • Interacts effectively with colleagues, managers and site visitors. (Core)
  • Assists with rearing birds to suitable target weight and condition for breeding, (Grow out)
  • Handles birds in the appropriate manner and places in correct area in suitable quantities in accordance with defined codes of practice. (Grow out)
  • Prepares facilities for arrival and departure of birds. (Grow out)
  • Monitor and provide feed and water. (Grow out)
  • Assesses the growth of young birds meets production targets in line with organisational requirements and instructions. (Grow out)
  • Moves and transports birds safely, effectively and compassionately without undue stress. (Grow out)
  • Works in a safe manner and maintains a safe working environment. (Core)
  • Carries out the relevant site procedures and report incidents or unsafe conditions. (Core)
  • Implements and monitors site biosecurity rules and procedures and implements corrective actions when required. (Core)
  • Follows site security rules. (Core)
  • Implements site and personal hygiene procedures, including relevant rules for entering & leaving site. (Core)
  • Maintains a clean environment in line with agreed standards for the facility. (Core)
  • Applies and uses appropriate manual handling techniques. (Core)
  • Monitors and maintains the health of the bird or egg. (Core)
  • Diagnoses bird or egg condition and acts appropriately. (Core)
  • Operates environmental control systems in line with operating instructions or procedures taking into account the species and point in life cycle. (Core)
  • Maintains and operates equipment safely and effectively relevant to the age, breed and bird requirements, for example, ventilation, feeding equipment, drinking equipment, incubators, nest boxes. (Core)
  • Utilises technology and systems appropriate to the operation, for example, a computerised shed environmental management equipment, hatchery processing equipment, environmental testing equipment, egg grading and packing equipment. (Core)
  • Conducts appropriate equipment and welfare checks in a timely manner, and maintains, records in accordance with company procedures. (Core)
  • Monitors and reports performance metrics for operations. (Core)
  • Adheres to and applies welfare codes of practice including the five freedoms. (Core)
  • Applies and acts on business, industry and legislative requirements including industry assurance standards relevant to the operation. (Core)
  • Adapts communication style to suit the audience. (Core)
  • Uses problem solving skills in carrying out roles and tasks. (Core)
  • Interacts effectively with colleagues, managers and site visitors. (Core)
  • Receive and select eggs for hatching. (Hatching)
  • Assists with checking egg fertility and selecting eggs for transfer in line with organisational requirements. (Hatching)
  • Hatches and despatches poultry. (Hatching)
  • Prepares facilities for arrival and departure of Eggs. (Hatching)
  • Assists with preparing and administering vaccines and treatments in accordance with organisational requirements. (Hatching)
  • Stores eggs in suitable environment conditions. (Hatching)
  • Takes off poultry, recognise and dispose of sub-standard products in-line with legal and organisational requirements and prepare birds for transportation. (Hatching)
  • Prepares and load eggs into the incubator in accordance with organisation procedures. (Hatching)
  • Works in a safe manner and maintains a safe working environment. (Core)
  • Carries out the relevant site procedures and report incidents or unsafe conditions. (Core)
  • Implements and monitors site biosecurity rules and procedures and implements corrective actions when required. (Core)
  • Follows site security rules. (Core)
  • Implements site and personal hygiene procedures, including relevant rules for entering & leaving site. (Core)
  • Maintains a clean environment in line with agreed standards for the facility. (Core)
  • Applies and uses appropriate manual handling techniques. (Core)
  • Monitors and maintains the health of the bird or egg. (Core)
  • Diagnoses bird or egg condition and acts appropriately. (Core)
  • Operates environmental control systems in line with operating instructions or procedures taking into account the species and point in life cycle. (Core)
  • Maintains and operates equipment safely and effectively relevant to the age, breed and bird requirements, for example, ventilation, feeding equipment, drinking equipment, incubators, nest boxes. (Core)
  • Utilises technology and systems appropriate to the operation, for example, a computerised shed environmental management equipment, hatchery processing equipment, environmental testing equipment, egg grading and packing equipment. (Core)
  • Conducts appropriate equipment and welfare checks in a timely manner, and maintains, records in accordance with company procedures. (Core)
  • Monitors and reports performance metrics for operations. (Core)
  • Adheres to and applies welfare codes of practice including the five freedoms. (Core)
  • Applies and acts on business, industry and legislative requirements including industry assurance standards relevant to the operation. (Core)
  • Adapts communication style to suit the audience. (Core)
  • Uses problem solving skills in carrying out roles and tasks. (Core)
  • Interacts effectively with colleagues, managers and site visitors. (Core)
  • Assists with preparing and administering vaccines and treatments in accordance with instructions. (Rearing)
  • Assists with preparing necessary equipment and appropriate conditions for new birds and prepares appropriate feed and water taking account of brooding and growing procedures appropriate to species. (Rearing)
  • Prepares facilities for arrival and departure of birds. (Rearing)
  • Monitors and provides feed and water. (Rearing)
  • Assists with rearing birds to suitable target weight and condition for breeding, (Rearing)
  • Handles birds in the appropriate manner and places in correct area in suitable quantities in accordance with defined codes of practice. (Rearing)
  • Assists with preparing and administering vaccine s and treatments in accordance with instructions. (Rearing)
  • Assesses the growth of young birds meets production targets in line with organisational requirements and instructions. (Rearing)
  • Moves and transports birds safely, effectively and compassionately without undue stress. (Rearing)

  Behaviours

  • Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (Core)
  • Supports an inclusive workplace. (Core)
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic, including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management. (Core)
  • Committed to continuous professional development. (Core)
  • Contributes to a sustainable workplace. (Core)
  • Takes responsibility for adopting good animal welfare practices. (Core)
  • Adapts to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environment. (Core)
  • Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (Core)
  • Supports an inclusive workplace. (Core)
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic, including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management. (Core)
  • Committed to continuous professional development. (Core)
  • Contributes to a sustainable workplace. (Core)
  • Takes responsibility for adopting good animal welfare practices. (Core)
  • Adapts to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environment. (Core)
  • Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (Core)
  • Supports an inclusive workplace. (Core)
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic, including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management. (Core)
  • Committed to continuous professional development. (Core)
  • Contributes to a sustainable workplace. (Core)
  • Takes responsibility for adopting good animal welfare practices. (Core)
  • Adapts to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environment. (Core)
  • Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (Core)
  • Supports an inclusive workplace. (Core)
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic, including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management. (Core)
  • Committed to continuous professional development. (Core)
  • Contributes to a sustainable workplace. (Core)
  • Takes responsibility for adopting good animal welfare practices. (Core)
  • Adapts to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environment. (Core)
  • Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (Core)
  • Supports an inclusive workplace. (Core)
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic, including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management. (Core)
  • Committed to continuous professional development. (Core)
  • Contributes to a sustainable workplace. (Core)
  • Takes responsibility for adopting good animal welfare practices. (Core)
  • Adapts to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environment. (Core)
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 12 months
• Funding: £5,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Poultry worker

View more information about Poultry worker (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.