Work Experience

Farmer Gow's is registered with the Oxfordshire Work Experience Scheme.

The farm offers various work experience opportunities, depending on the age of the student. Work Experience placements are described below. They are not exclusive and other placements can be arranged depending on student circumstances. If the below doesn't quite suit - ask - and we may be able to arrange something that does!

Students are advised that the farm puts considerable effort into its Work Experience students - and therefore expects a lot in return. We recommend that students read the farm's Guidelines for Work Experience before applying for a placement.

Farmer Gow's is very 'hands on'. Students are encouraged to get thoroughly involved in the farm routine, to work as part of the staff team and to enjoy interacting with visitors to the farm.

Students are interviewed prior to placements being offered.

Students in Years 10 and 11 should apply for work experience placements through School Work Experience Coordinators.

Some work experience students go on to be offered regular part-time work at the farm, at weekends and during the school holidays.

Basic Work Experience Placement ~

Suitable for students in Years 10 and 11

One or two week work experience - two weeks are preferred
Interview required before a placement is confirmed
Tuesday-Saturday, 9am - 5pm
Students should wear strong outdoor clothing including footwear

Advanced Work Experience Placement ~

Suitable for students aiming to achieve a diverse work experience such as required for veterinary/animal science university places. Ideally students should start the Advanced Work Experience Placement no later than the start of Year 12.

As above plus ~
1 or 2 week initial work experience to learn the basic farm routines followed by weekly Saturday or Sunday work experience days.
The ongoing work experience enables students to experience all the different livestock breeding periods – sheep, cattle and pigs plus handle/feed/observe very young chicks and goats. A lot can be learnt about animals simply by observing them grow and mature into adulthood. As a human being you have already learnt quite a lot about the human species from day to day life – this Advanced Placement allows students to begin to develop similar understanding of farm animal species.
Students on the Advanced Work Experience Placement have the potential for paid work once the work experience has been developed to a sufficient level.
Students on the Advanced Work Experience Placement have the potential to be recommended for further work experience on other large animal farms, such as dairy units.
Joe Public – learning to handle animals with members of the public in close proximity is a highly useful skill. Visitors to the farm are encouraged to ask students questions – which promotes student learning. Visitors regularly ask unusual questions, which tests student knowledge but also provides the opportunity to research/discover the answers, thereby developing student knowledge.

Assistant Farm Manager Placement ~

Annually March-August/September
Suitable for students who have completed the Advanced Work Experience Placement
Suitable for students on a 'gap' year
Suitable for students looking to expand their curriculum vitae
This is a paid placement
Caravan accommodation available
Driving licence is useful but not essential