Zuzanna is currently studying the Level 3 Livestock Technician Apprenticeship and is thriving in a pathway that allows her to combine hands-on learning with real-world farming experience.
“I’m really enjoying the course,” she says. “Only coming into college once a week makes a huge difference because I can focus on learning properly on the farm where I work. I learn much better by doing than sitting in a classroom.”
Zuzanna doesn’t come from a farming background and only began working in agriculture around two to three years ago. She first completed the Level 2 Agriculture course at Holme Lacy College before taking a year out of education. During that time, she found a farm she genuinely enjoyed working on and approached them about completing an apprenticeship.
“They agreed — and here I am now!”
Having experienced both full-time study and an apprenticeship, Zuzanna is confident that the apprenticeship route suits her far better.
Balancing Farm Life and Rugby
Now working as a dairy farmer, Zuzanna values the flexibility the apprenticeship offers. The structure allows her to complete coursework during quieter periods in the day without feeling overwhelmed.
“I don’t find myself stressing every night about coursework,” she explains.
Outside of farming, Zuzanna also plays rugby at a high level. She is a winger, plays for a Welsh team, and represents the Welsh Women’s National team — two major commitments alongside her work on the farm.
“My bosses are really supportive,” she says. “They’re happy that I have a life outside the farm and understand that one reason I wanted to do the course was to meet new people.”
College has also helped Zuzanna connect with others working in dairy farming, something she is grateful for, as her existing friendship groups mostly work in arable, beef or sheep farming.
Zuzanna’s favourite part of farming is caring for the livestock. She has developed a strong ability to notice early signs that something may be wrong, even before systems and technology flag an issue.
“I can usually spot small changes in behaviour or movement that could indicate a bigger problem,” she explains. “We use monitoring systems on the farm, but it’s valuable to notice things early.”
She particularly enjoys learning about animal anatomy and health, often assisting her manager with foot trimming and asking questions along the way.
“With dairy farming, there’s a much bigger link between animal health and milk quality and yield,” she says. “Everything is about balance, from nutrition to mobility, because it all impacts the cow, her milk and her calf.”
Life on a Dairy Farm
Zuzanna is also involved in calving and morning milking, which starts at 4.30am.
“It was a shock at first,” she laughs, “but it quickly became part of my routine.”
After milking, she helps care for calves during calving season, assisting with feeding and cleaning.
“I really enjoy calving, it breaks the year up and it’s nice to be involved.”
She describes her farm team as welcoming, understanding and supportive, making the early mornings worthwhile.
Looking to the Future
While Zuzanna isn’t completely sure what her long-term future holds, she knows she wants to continue working with livestock. For now, she plans to stay at her current farm and apply the knowledge she’s gained to improve and optimise processes.
“This qualification will give me more of a voice,” she says. “Farming can be tough, especially with everything you hear in the news. New ideas and innovation can only be a good thing.”
Zuzanna strongly believes in the value of qualifications, regardless of the pathway taken.
“It’s always good to have a qualification, whether it’s full-time or an apprenticeship. I’ve done both. Even if you change your mind later, there are always transferable skills.”
Her advice is to come prepared to work hard and learn.
“You’ll gain experience, make great memories and meet really good people. Come into it with your head high… you’ll leave with it even higher!”
Support at Holme Lacy College
Zuzanna praises the support available at Holme Lacy College, highlighting how approachable and understanding staff are.
“If I ever miss a day, I’m never left behind. I’m always supported and brought up to speed quickly. Whether it’s educational, financial or personal support, the staff are always caring, you just have to ask.”
Find out more about this apprenticehip: HERE