How to become an agricultural contractor
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a course at agricultural college which may be useful when you start looking for work.
Courses include:
- Level 2 or 3 Award in Land Based Technology
- Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Agriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
You may 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
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Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:
- countryside worker intermediate apprenticeship
- land based service engineer intermediate apprenticeship
- land based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship
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
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Direct Application
You could apply directly to become an agricultural contractor. Employers will usually expect you to have experience of working with farm machinery.
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Career tips
Agricultural contracting can be competitive, with lots of contractors applying for the same work. It will help you to get jobs and build your business if you have a specialism that no one else in the surrounding area offers.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the National Association of Agricultural Contractors. They can help with industry training and professional development.
Further information
You'll find more about working and training in agriculture from Tasty Careers and the National Land Based College.