Meteorologist

What is the work like?

Meteorologists study the earth's atmosphere, climate and weather. They collect and interpret data to make weather forecasts for use in all kinds of industries including agriculture, aviation, the armed forces and the media.

As a meteorologist you could specialise in one of two main areas – forecasting and research.

In forecasting, you might:

• collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world
• measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
• apply computer models and scientific principles to make short- and long-range weather forecasts
• supply weather data, bulletins and reports to customers.

In research, you might:

• investigate weather patterns and climate change
• develop and improve computer forecasting models
• apply research to practical problems, such as predicting floods or how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease.

At the start of your career in either area, you might observe and record the weather, produce charts and help senior staff. With experience, you would take on more complex work and present your findings to clients and at conferences.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

To work in forecasting or research, you will need:

• a first or upper second class degree in meteorology, maths, physics, or a related subject such as environmental science, computer science or electronics, plus
• A levels in maths and/or physics, and five GCSEs (A-C), including English.

For many meteorology research jobs, you are also likely to need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology, climatology or atmospheric sciences. You should check exact course entry requirements with colleges or universities.

See the Royal Meteorological Society's website for a list of meteorology-related degrees and postgraduate courses at UK universities.

The Met Office offers a few summer work placements each year at its headquarters, which would be a useful way of gaining relevant experience while you are studying.

For some support meteorologist jobs with the Met Office, you may not need a degree, but you must have at least two A levels at grade C or above, including maths and/or physics, plus five GCSEs (A-C) including English.

What further training and development can I do?

As a forecaster, you would mainly be trained at the Met Office college in Devon (trainees include Met Office employees and those working for other organisations). You would start with the Forecaster Foundation Training Programme, which involves:

• a six-week full-time initial training course, followed by three months' practical training at an operational weather station
• a further 14-week training course
• 20 weeks' further on-the-job training, followed by final assessment.

You can also work towards NVQ Level 3 in Weather Observing, and NVQ Level 4 in Weather Forecasting.

Once qualified, you are encouraged to continue studying throughout your career. The Met Office college offers further training such as:

• the Professional Development Programme and Advanced Forecasting Course – for forecasters with two or three years' experience
• short courses in various specialist aspects of forecasting.

You may also be able to further your skills by taking courses in programming, mathematical modelling, graphics or presentation skills.

With at least five years' relevant experience, you could become a Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) of the Royal Meteorological Society. See their website for more details.

Where can I go for more information?

76 Portland Place
London
W1B 1NT

FitzRoy Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PB

104 Oxford Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7LL

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice

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