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Agricultural engineer

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

Average annual salary

£25,000 to £45,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural machinery engineering. These courses are offered by land-based engineering institutions .

You can also get into this career with a higher national diploma or degree in environmental, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Entry requirements:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

College

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.

Entry requirements:

  • 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

Apprenticeship

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.

Once working, you would complete further training to become an engineer.

Entry requirements:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could work as an agricultural engineering technician and train on the job to qualify as an engineer.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • 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
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to read English
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • knowledge of physics
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • a good memory
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What you'll do:

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

In your day-to-day duties, you might:

  • 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

Location : You could work in an office, on a farm or in a laboratory.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

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Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

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Career Path:

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.

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