Agricultural engineer

Agricultural engineers build, service and repair agricultural, horticultural and forestry machinery and equipment.

• assess the environmental impact of agricultural production methods
• supervise building projects, like land drainage, reclamation and irrigation
• solve engineering problems, like designing vehicles for all ground and weather conditions
• test and install new equipment, like harvesters or crop sprayers
• use GPS, weather data and computer modelling to give advice on land use
• plan service and repair programmes for machinery

You could work in an office, on a farm or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

39 to 41 hours per week

• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• working towards this role

A level 2 or level 3 Diploma in Land-based Technology or Agricultural Engineering may get you started in this role.

You could also do a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A
  * to
  
  D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A
  * to
  
  C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A
  * to
  
  C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

You may be able to start by doing a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

This usually takes about 36 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A
  * to
  
  C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• You could work as an agricultural engineering technician and train on the job to qualify as an engineer.

• With experience you could move into project management or specialist technical research and development.
• You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status by applying to the Engineering Council. As a chartered engineer you ll plan, research and develop new ideas. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers has more information.
• You could also move into technical sales, business development, teaching or consultancy work.

You can find out more about this career from reputable industry resources and official career guidance.