Level 2 Underkeeper

This occupation is found in the game and wildlife management sector. The broad purpose of the occupation is to participate in habitat management, pest and predator control, and animal husbandry in support of a shooting enterprise. As well as producing a harvestable surplus of game birds, an underkeeper contributes to associated conservation activities for the benefit of other flora and fauna.

An underkeeper will assist on shoot days and will be expected to undertake routine estate maintenance. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a variety of organisations and individuals, including estate managers, senior gamekeepers, police/other statutory bodies, paying guests, other land users, and the general public. Underkeeper’s work under some challenging conditions and can be expected to work some unsociable hours and will be outdoors in all weathers.

They need to follow instructions precisely from the head keeper or estate manager to help deliver an estate’s management plan, but frequently operate alone and need to rely on their own initiative and adaptability.

Modules

This programme will be delivered through a combination of practical hands-on and theory-based activities which will be tailored to ensure the apprentice develops the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a professional Underkeeper and an effective member of the organisation.

With all apprenticeships, there is a requirement to record 20% off-the-job activities and this will be achieved through the use of a dedicated electronic online portfolio to which the apprentice, the employer and the college delivery team will all have access to. The apprentice will be assigned a dedicated Assessor Trainer, who will undertake regular workplace progress reviews with both the apprentice and an assigned workplace mentor, as well as support all aspects of the apprentice’s ongoing development.

This approach enables effective progress monitoring and target setting to be established from day 1, ensuring the employer and apprentice are clear about all aspects of the apprenticeship programme and what part they each play in ensuring the apprentice continues to make the expected levels of progress.

Furthermore, this approach ensures any additional support requirements or interventions can be implemented in a timely manner as required. A BCA Virtual Learning Environment ensures all learning, development and support material can be easily accessed, further supporting the blended learning and development approach adopted by BCA for all its apprenticeship delivery. This ensures flexible and responsive training at all times, through a combination of online and face-to-face activities delivered by industry experts, using our high quality, industry-recognised resources and equipment.

The apprentice will be required to undertake and pass an independent End Point Assessment upon successful completion of their apprenticeship, after which point they will be awarded their Apprenticeship Certificate.