Explore – What Sort of Career is Right for You in Agriculture?

Click on a farming role below to learn more and to request further information.
You can download an interactive Power Point Presentation to help you choose a career in farming here: Farming Careers PPP

FARMING Running or working on a farm growing crops or looking after livestock
FOOD PROCESSING & RETAILING Agriculture managers work with farmers to secure a supply of quality products to consumers
Science & Research Helping meet the challenge of producing more food with fewer natural resources, while also protecting the environment
ENVIRONMENT & NATURE Offering specialist advice and support to help develop a healthier environment for our wildlife, ecology and us all.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Supporting strategic farm business decisions, assisting financial planning and understanding policy or legislative changes
BUYING & SELLING Working with farmers to supply inputs - such as machinery, seeds, feed and fertiliser - and also to buy the commodities farmers produce
TECHNICAL ADVICE Offering specialist support to farmers to help them run their business more efficiently and profitably.
ENGINEER Applying technology advances to agriculture machinery and processes.

Find Out More

 

As you have now discovered there are lots of different career options available. Even though you may still not be exactly sure what you want to do, getting the right qualifications and/or work experience will keep your options open.

At 14 – Lots of agricultural careers are based on Science, Techology, Engineering & Mathematics, so choosing these GCSE subjects will stand you in good stead for later courses or jobs. Complementary subjects such as Business and Geography can also build a good foundation of knowledge and develop important problem solving skills. You could also consider vocational courses like NVQ and BTEC awards at Level 2.

At 16  – If choosing A levels, T Levels or Further Education courses, focus on what you need for the next stage, such as how many UCAS points are needed for a university course, or what skills are needed for a particular job. If you are looking for a more practical and hands on career consider what vocational or combined options are available – you can combine part-time education with 20 or more hours of employment or volunteering a week.

Apprenticeships – open to 16-24 years Being an apprentice gives you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and develop professional skills, while earning a salary.

Colleges local to West Dorset

Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, DT2 8PY • www.kmc.ac.uk
Bicton College, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BH • www.bicton.ac.uk
Cannington, Bridgwater & Taunton College • www.btc.ac.uk/the-college/campuses/cannington-campus

All colleges offer a range of courses and apprenticeship opportunities including Agriculture, Animal Care, Equine,
Engineering and Business. They also advertise a list of current apprenticeship vacancies on their website.
Regular open mornings are held throughout the year so you can experience the amazing campuses and chat with their
expert tutors about starting courses or an apprenticeship.

Free Advice

We have experts working in all areas of agriculture who are keen to talk to you about their work and to help you explore your career.  To talk to one of our team please fill in the form above.

If you want to know more, email careers@discoverfarming.co.uk  or complete the form above and we will help point you in the right direction.