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Agricultural engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Agricultural service engineer, land-based engineering technician

Agricultural engineering technicians maintain, service and repair machinery and equipment used in land-based industries.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma:

  • agricultural engineering
  • agricultural technology
  • mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to find a trainee engineering technician role. 

Courses include:

  • agricultural engineering
  • land-based technology
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on a Land-Based Engineer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This could be with an equipment manufacturer, service and repair company or agricultural college.

These take around 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

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

More Information

Direct Application

You might be able to apply directly for jobs if you've got a qualification and experience in land-based engineering or servicing heavy plant vehicles and equipment.

More Information

Career tips

As well as working on farm machinery, technicians service and repair equipment used in:

  • forestry
  • landscaping and leisure amenities
  • horticultural production

You may be expected to work longer hours during peak farming times.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in agricultural engineering from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • design skills and knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an agricultural engineering technician, you could:

  • carry out scheduled maintenance and repairs on site or in a workshop
  • respond to breakdown call-outs
  • use diagnostic tools to find and fix faults
  • install and demonstrate new and used machinery for customers
  • complete maintenance records for each job
  • mentor trainee technicians
  • work with agricultural engineers to develop new products

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a workshop or on a farm.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a senior technician or workshop manager
  • take further training to qualify as an agricultural engineer
  • move into equipment sales, business management or inspection
  • work as a self-employed engineering contractor
  • move into training, with a service and repair company, equipment manufacturer or agricultural college

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an agricultural engineering technician right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Agricultural Engineering Level 2

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Ipswich

C&G L2 Technical Certificate in Landbased Engineering

  • Provider: CITY OF SUNDERLAND COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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