Land a Great Career and Change Your Environment

Up for a challenge? Do you like the great outdoors? Want to be your own boss? Want to help save the planet? If the answer is YES, have you ever thought about a career in one of the UK's most diverse, exciting and rewarding sectors? Believe it or not, the environmental and land-based industries offer an unusual and unique world of work, with opportunities for real career progression and promotion. And they need people like YOU.

What do we mean by the environmental and land-based industries? Well, we mean areas as diverse as traditional agriculture and horticulture, through to fields like animal care and environmental conservation, to landscaping and even floristry! The full range of industries provide a vast range of opportunities, and can offer you the chance to develop both hands-on and technical skills in exciting, constantly changing and highly specialised areas. And as new technology within the sector advances, the opportunities continue to grow…

Is it for you?

So what sorts of people go into environmental and land-based jobs? To enjoy a career in this diverse sector, quite possibly you like the idea of working outdoors - maybe you really like the countryside, for example. Or perhaps you really like animals, and the idea of working with them or helping to conserve wildlife appeals to you. A lot of jobs in this area require some hands-on, practical work but, contrary to popular belief, many jobs also rely on in-depth knowledge, skills and a certain amount of flexibility too. And if working outside doesn't appeal, there are a wide range of jobs that involve being inside too - veterinary nursing, for example. Changes in the industry also mean that more and more employees are needed to carry out administrative and technical work indoors!

What's your motivation?

Now for the good news: job prospects are, perhaps surprisingly, very good. Despite popular misconceptions, the industry needs highly competent and enthusiastic new entrants - in fact, there is a shortage of good recruits in some areas. In some jobs, the hours can be long - but they can also extremely rewarding. Salary levels vary dramatically, but good recruits can command good packages. As vacancies in the sector are becoming harder to fill, salary levels will continue to rise in order to attract the right people. The only way is up!

A land-based qualification is also very transferable, both within Europe and in the rest of the world. For example, many projects in the developing world - perhaps to help people obtain clean water or grow food crops in a sustainable way - need people with just these skills and knowledge. And as the sector is so diverse, whatever your ability, experience or ambitions, the land-based and environmental industries are bound to have opportunities for you. The options are endless!

Taking one step closer…

Just as the opportunities are vast and varied, so are the ways into a career in this sector. Entry routes range from Modern Apprenticeships - where, for example, you may work on a farm or in a florist shop (and get paid!) while studying for a national or other vocational qualification - to foundation diplomas or university degrees. As in other careers, you're unlikely to progress unless you have the right entry qualifications. And while there are still opportunities to get the skills you need after you leave school, it is so much easier if you have them under your belt before you leave. Most training schemes and college courses want reasonable GCSE results or their equivalent in science-related subjects, while advanced courses ask for good A-level results (or comparable qualifications).

And it's certainly not impossible for city dwellers to get involved in the land-based industries. A network of land-based colleges throughout the UK offer a range of courses leading to qualifications in specific areas, and many of them actually offer their students residential accommodation. Many of the courses involve work placements that the colleges will help to organise. There are also a growing number of city farms, designed to help the public understand farming issues, and these also offer employment opportunities.

If you like what you've read and are keen to find out more, contact your local careers service or visit the Lantra website www.lantra.co.uk, email connect@lantra.co.uk or call Lantra Connect on 0845 707 8007. Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector.

Wish you were here?

"I had a passion for animals and specifically fish from an early age, and a career in aquaculture seemed a natural course for me to follow," says Joel Lodge, 24, Assistant Manager at Pembrokeshire Fish Farm. "I graduated from Bristol University with a degree in Zoology and following this I went to Zimbabwe where I was lucky enough (or otherwise!) to work on a crocodile farm. When I came back, I started work in Pembrokeshire. I find my job very satisfying as I love working with the fish and being in such a beautiful, countryside environment.

"When I completed my A-levels, I started a Modern Apprenticeship programme in Poultry Production at Easton College, Norwich," says Leroy Burrell, 22, Veterinary Administration Officer for Bernard Matthews Ltd. "On starting to study for my Modern Apprenticeship, my college put me in touch with Bernard Matthews Ltd. and I haven't looked back since. Agriculture is an incredibly dynamic and ever-changing industry. Every day I face new challenges and the opportunity for progression."

"Whilst studying for my degree in Chemistry at the University of North Wales in Bangor, I became involved in the chemistry of plants," says Dr Rosemary Cole, Head of Research and Development at the National Herb Centre. "Following my BSc, I gained a PhD from Birmingham University where I studied Zoology and Comparative Physiology. The National Herb Centre is the hub of many activities including research and development. Needless to say, my daily routine is diverse to say the least. The industry in which I work is very fast moving and new developments are constantly unravelling, which makes my job very exciting and stimulating."

Author: Louise McCarthy, Lantra