You can do a foundation degree or degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural machinery engineering. These courses are offered by land-based engineering institutions.

You can also get into this career with a higher national diploma or degree in environmental, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

A level 2 or level 3 Diploma in Land-based Technology or Agricultural Engineering may get you started in this role.

You could also do a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

Entry requirements

• 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

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

You may be able to start by doing a land-based service engineering technician advanced apprenticeship.

This usually takes about 36 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.

Once working, you would complete further training to become an engineer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could work as an agricultural engineering technician and train on the job to qualify as an engineer.

You'll need:

• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

In your day-to-day duties, you might:

• assess the environmental impact of agricultural production methods
• supervise building projects, like land drainage, reclamation and irrigation
• solve engineering problems, like designing vehicles for all ground and weather conditions
• test and install new equipment, like harvesters or crop sprayers
• use GPS, weather data and computer modelling to give advice on land use
• plan service and repair programmes for machinery

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

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.