UK Career Advice

Agricultural Labourer: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Agricultural Labourer?

Agricultural Labourers in the UK work in the farming and fishing industries, performing various tasks that do not fall under other specific agricultural job roles. As an Agricultural Labourer, you may be involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops or taking care of livestock and fish to support the country's food supply.

How do I become a Agricultural Labourer?

Agricultural Labourers in the UK work in the farming and fishing industries, performing various tasks that do not fall under other specific agricultural job roles. As an Agricultural Labourer, you may be involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops or taking care of livestock and fish to support the country's food supply.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Agricultural Labourer?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Agricultural Labourer

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Physical fitness and stamina for manual labor in outdoor environments
  • Knowledge of basic farming techniques and equipment operation
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
  • Basic numeracy and literacy skills for record keeping and communication
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations in agricultural settings
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks and seasonal demands
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with colleagues and supervisors
  • Willingness to work long hours and weekends during peak seasons
  • Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment safely and efficiently

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic qualifications required
  • On-the-job training provided
  • Vocational and academic qualifications available in fish farming, forestry, horse and other animal care
  • Professional qualifications available
  • Professional qualifications may be mandatory in some areas

Career Path

Agricultural Labourer
Farm Manager
Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Policy Analyst
Farm Hand
Livestock Worker
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinarian
Crop Picker
Crop Technician
Crop Scientist
Plant Breeder
Irrigation Technician
Water Resource Manager
Pest Control Technician
Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a farmer with no experience?

Look for government-run programs that cover agriculture and farming, join a beginning farmer training program, or find a summer job as a research assistant for a college or university that holds research trials on one or more research farms.

What did an agricultural Labourer do?

An agricultural labourer in the UK is someone who works in farming, rearing animals, growing produce (including non-edible crops), forestry, market gardens, and nurseries. Their job involves various tasks such as planting, harvesting, feeding and caring for animals, maintaining equipment, and other general farm duties.

What GCSEs do you need to be a farmer?

To become a farmer, you will usually need some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. For an advanced apprenticeship, you will need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

What qualifications do you need to be a farm worker?

To be a farm worker in the UK, you may need to have qualifications such as a Level 1 Certificate in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills, a Level 2 Extended Certificate in Agriculture, a Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture, or a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

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