Frequently Asked Questions

Many jobs do not have any formal entry requirements but the following may help you to get a job:

• Get a relevant qualification
• Gain experience to make yourself more employable by volunteering or getting work experience
• Network by joining a local group, organisation and/or a professional body
• Do your homework by finding out what each job/organisation is looking for
• Be flexible and do not restrict your options by job or location. You may not necessarily get the job you initially want but you can always get another job in the industry and work towards your ideal position
• Make the most of your skills and experience as many skills are transferable
• Record your work and training to give to your prospective employers
• Create a good CV and tailor it to the organisation or job you are applying for

It is advisable to get professional advice and guidance by visiting your local careers advisory service.

You can find out about the large range of jobs available from the careers section of our website. We also have a jobs section that employers in the sector use to advertise vacancies. If you need help, support, advice and guidance, we recommend you seek professional advice from your local careers advisory service. You may also want to contact your local land-based college who will be able to tell you about the learning opportunities available in your area.

Many jobs within the land-based and environmental industries have no formal entry requirements, except those that are highly regulated, such as Veterinary Nursing and Farriery. However competition for some jobs can be high so you must show enthusiasm and prove it is the job you really want to do.

Experience is important to employers so volunteering, seasonal work and work experience is key. It is beneficial to have a relevant qualification as it shows you have the right skills and knowledge needed for the job. There are also some Apprenticeships available in some industries, which allow you to earn while you learn.

The land-based and environmental industries have a wide range of opportunities available, including:

• A wide range of job roles
• Urban and rural settings
• Positions for those who like to work indoors and/or out
• Many opportunities for career progression and self-employment
• Manual, hands-on jobs
• Highly skilled, well paid jobs
• A high level of job satisfaction

Agriculture will never die. There will always be a need to manage the countryside and produce food, and now non-food crops are being used for energy production.

The agricultural industry has been through huge changes that has now lead to a competitive, vibrant, challenging industry, which is constantly adapting and embracing new technology. With an increasing world population, greater emphasis on food security and food miles, carbon footprint and energy supplies, the industry will have exciting new opportunities and need a high quality workforce.

Like most industries, there are positions that are not well paid and some that are. Your salary will depend on a number of factor including the job, type of work, the organisation you work for, your position in that organisation and geographic location. In fact there are many roles that are paid above the national average.

I am a graduate with a relevant qualification, but am unable to get a job. What should I do?

Many organisations like to employ someone who has some experience. Therefore you will need to gain some by volunteering with a local organisation or further afield if you have transport or are willing to move. This will allow you to gain the skills you need, improve your CV and provide an opportunity to network with potential employers. You may also wish to supplement your qualification with a relevant certificated course and it always helps if you have a full clean driving license.

Once you gain the necessary experience, do not restrict your options as to the type of work you want to do or your geographic location. Being open and flexible will improve your employment chances.

There are some low skilled positions in the sector but there are also many roles that are highly skilled. For example some jobs involve people and/or project management, some are science based and some are specialist such as a Landscape Architect or Veterinary Nurse.

To start you should gain some experience by volunteering with a relevant group or organisation. This will show a potential employer your desire to work in the industry, as well as gaining some of the skills you will need.

You should also consider gaining a qualification, either academic or vocational. However, it is recommended that you do not do this in isolation, you should always mix any study with practical experience.

Some employers will train their volunteers so research the organisations in your local area, or further afield if you have transport or are willing to move, to see what they have to offer. Alternately if you have other skills and experiences, such as administration, finance etc, then you could apply for a similar post in an environmental organisation and use the opportunity to fulfil your career change once employed in the sector.