Agricultural engineering technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• agricultural engineering
• agricultural machinery engineering
• agricultural technology

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can do a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Land-Based Technology or Land-Based Service Engineering at an agricultural college.

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 could do a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

You can do this with an equipment manufacturer, service and repair contractor or at an agricultural college.

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

You might be able to apply directly if you've got a qualification and experience in land-based engineering or servicing heavy plant equipment.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of physics
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• persistence and determination
• active listening skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Agricultural engineering technicians help to solve practical engineering problems in land-based industries.

In this role you could:

• help agricultural engineers develop new products
• create equipment plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
• install and test machinery
• research machinery developments and market trends
• demonstrate and sell new equipment and deal with enquiries

Location : You could work in an office, in a workshop or in a factory.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a senior agricultural engineering technician or workshop manager
• become self-employed if you have the knowledge and industry contacts
• move into a senior sales, management or inspection
• move into a training role and become a further education teacher