How to become a gamekeeper
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could start by doing a college course like:
- Level 2 Certificate in Countryside and Environment
- Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management
You can find colleges offering relevant courses through the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust.
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, for a level 3 course
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could get into this role through an intermediate underkeeper apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You may be able to start as an assistant or underkeeper. With further training and experience you could work your way up to become a gamekeeper.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get experience of countryside work by volunteering on an estate or park.
You can contact organisations like The Conservation Volunteers, the National Trust and National Parks for information about work experience opportunities.
More Information
Career tips
Employers value experience of working outdoors and knowledge of the countryside. Practical skills like carpentry would also be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the National Gamekeepers' Organisation for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get more details about becoming a gamekeeper through the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.