Food & drink

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• agriculture
• land management
• farm business management
• crop and livestock production

Courses and qualifications are available at agricultural colleges and universities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could start your career in farming by doing a course at an agricultural college like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities
• Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

This could teach you some of the skills and knowledge you might need in this job.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could get farming experience through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship like:

• General Farm Worker Level 2
• Poultry Technician Level 3
• Livestock Unit Technician Level 3
• Crop Technician Level 3

You could also apply to do an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in farm management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could get management experience by working as a supervisor, unit manager or assistant manger before moving into farm management.

You could also take qualifications on the job like the Level 4 Certificate in Work-based Agricultural Management.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) to keep up to date with the farming industry.

The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs also supports young people in agricultural work and those interested in rural life.

You could join to:learn new skills; enter competitions; network with other young people

Further information

You can get more information about farming careers from Tasty Careers, The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture and LANTRA.

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With experience you could move into related areas, such as becoming an adviser, consultant or trainer. This includes being an adviser for the government.