Agricultural Engineering Technician
What is the work like?
As an agricultural engineering technician, you would install, service and sell agricultural and horticultural machinery, such as tractors and logging equipment. You would work in one of three areas: manufacturing, service and repair, or sales and marketing.
Manufacturing would involve:
- helping agricultural engineers develop new products
- creating equipment plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
- making parts and building the machinery
- testing the machinery's electrical and mechanical systems.
Service and repair would cover:
- making maintenance checks on electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- installing machinery on site
- inspecting and testing equipment
- training machine operatives and agricultural workers.
Sales and marketing could include:
- researching machinery developments and market trends
- demonstrating and selling new equipment and parts
- managing client accounts
- dealing with enquiries and orders.
You could work for a variety of businesses from equipment manufacturers to livestock and fish farms.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to start as an apprentice with an equipment manufacturer or service and repair contractor. Employers would normally ask for around four GCSEs (grades A-C), such as maths, English, science, engineering, design and technology, or equivalent qualifications.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
As an alternative, you could take the BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Land-Based Technology before looking for work. It is offered mainly by agricultural colleges and has several options, including:
- agri-machinery
- hydraulics and pneumatics
- electrical and electronic systems
- fault finding and repair.
The National Certificate and Diploma in Agriculture also contains units in machinery operations and vehicle technology.
For information about apprenticeship schemes, colleges and careers in this area, contact Lantra, the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) and Careertrack.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you could train on the job for the NVQ in Land-based Service Engineering at levels 2 and 3. The award has several units, including:
- diagnosing faults in tractors and machinery
- dismantling and repairing machinery and parts
- testing repaired equipment
- welding skills.
With a Level 3 NVQ, you could improve your career prospects by registering with the Engineering Council to gain Engineering Technician (EngTech) status.
The IAgrE also operates a system of continuing professional development which would help you to record and plan your career development. See the IAgrE website for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
Silsoe
Bedfordshire
MK45 4FH
Tel: 01525 861096
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
Related profiles...
Electrical Engineering Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £13,000 a year.
- With qualifications, this can rise to between £13,500 and £20,000.
- Senior agricultural technicians can earn up to £25,000 a year.
You may receive extra allowances for working shifts and overtime.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In manufacturing, you could be on a shift system, working in a factory or engineering workshop.
Service and repair jobs may include long and varied hours, with overtime common, particularly during the summer months.
In sales, you would spend a lot of your time out on the road visiting clients, which could mean working away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in engineering technology
- good practical skills
- the ability to analyse and solve problems quickly
- the ability to manage and organise your own workload
- good communication and negotiation skills
- a reasonable level of fitness
- an awareness of health and safety legislation
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- a willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
Employers vary in size from large multinational manufacturing companies to small machinery dealerships and service agents. If you work for a multinational company, you may be given the chance to work abroad, particularly in developing countries.
As a skilled technician, you could be promoted to senior technician, training, sales or management jobs.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
Institution of Agricultural Engineers
Jimfinder.com
Agmachine.com (directory of UK equipment suppliers)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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