animals & plants - christs-hospital.lincs.sch.uk · RSPCA inspector Animal physiotherapist Zoo...

Working w

ith

Environment,Animals and Plants

animals & plants

Includes 22

real-life case

studies covering:

� Animals and animal care

� Plants

� Farm work

Now on the internetwww.connexions-direct.com/wianimalsandplants

Contents

2Animals and animal care

RSPCA inspector

Animal physiotherapist

Zoo keeper

Horse groom

Horse riding instructor

Veterinary nurse

Veterinary surgeon

Pet shop assistant

Dog groomer

Kennel worker

Assistance dog trainer

Farrier

16Plants

Florist

Garden designer

Garden centre manager

Tree surgeon

Laboratory diagnostician

22Farm work

Farm manager

Farm worker (livestock)

Farm worker (crops)

Fish farm worker

Gamekeeper

28Further reading/Useful

addresses

What is this booklet about?It is one of over 40 in a series covering manywork sectors, subjects and careers. Each bookcontains a number of case studies showing peoplein a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is –including the good things and the bad.

Each job shows you what qualifications you will need,what training you can get and how much you might bepaid. Also, you will see which route each person took ingetting that job.

How can I find out more?Look on the website www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u whichcontains background information on these featured jobs plus manymore. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will helpyou research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisationslisted at the back of the book.

How can I contact Connexions?In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might be based at your school, college or reached at your localConnexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or e-mailthrough Connexions Direct. Open seven days a week,between 8.00am and 2.00am.

Check out www.connexions-direct.com or look in thetelephone book to find your local centre. Or ring 080 800 13219 or text on 07766 413219 for Connexions Direct.

Other formats of this booklet are available – for details see back cover.

Key to salary icons

up to £12,000

£12,001 to £17,000

over £17,000

This represents the typical starting salary for the job featured in the case study.

There is a wide and expanding variety of job opportunities for those wantinga career working with animals and plants. Some jobs are of the traditionalkind – where cows need to be milked and fields must be ploughed. But thereare many other opportunities where people can apply their scientific and evenartistic skills to the animals and plants they work with.

1

So you want to work withanimals and plants?

Working with animals & plants

What does the future hold for the animal sector?About 55,000 people in the UK are employed in animal retail,breeding, behaviour, welfare, zoos, wildlife parks and relatedpublic services, with a similar number working with horses.Many more work in science, research, animal health, animalfeed and livestock.

Furthermore, the total number employed in the land-basedworkforce is expected to rise slightly – boosted by a growinginterest in the environment and the welfare of animals – asfarmers turn to alternative and more profitable forms oflivestock farming and land use. Horse and other animal-relatedsectors are predicted to expand, as well as in other areas suchas landscaping and commercial horticulture.

What about plants?The garden centre and nursery sector has also seen recentgrowth and gardening remains popular with members of thepublic. You might grow plants commercially such as flowers orvegetables, or use your planning and design skills to arrangethem in gardens, public places or as indoor displays. Some jobsinvolve a problem-solving approach, working out why plantsare not thriving as they should or combating pests which canaffect crops.

Will I work regular hours?Animals and plants have to be cared for regardless of the timeof day and whatever the weather. Some jobs can only be carriedout in daylight hours or change according to the seasons, sowinter timetables can be very different from summer ones.

What kind of qualifications do I need?There are excellent opportunities for young people in the land-based industries, including a range of work-based training andApprenticeships (Skillseekers in Scotland) leading to NationalVocational Qualifications/Scottish Vocational Qualifications(NVQs/SVQs). There are numerous qualifications available inthese industries and many people build up a portfolio ofcertificates in specific skills and crafts. In addition, universitiesand colleges offer a wide range of full and part-time coursesrelated to the land-based industries.

How soon can I get a job inthis sector?The availability of work-basedtraining in this sector makes itan excellent choice for school-leavers who feel that a furtheracademic career is not forthem. Many of the people inthis book have achieved theirgoals by continuing theirlearning through the vocationalroute, using their time in theworkplace to gain essentialskills and experience.

Do I need to have experienceof working with animals or ona farm to succeed?Not at all. Some people whochoose careers in this sectorhave, but others have beenattracted to this work becausethey like being outdoors or findthe prospects of working in anoffice too restricting. However,most employers expect to seeevidence of your interest suchas voluntary or paid workexperience on a farm, in a petshop or in a garden centre.

Have you ever been injured?Sometimes the animals become verystressed and you have to learn how tocalm them down first before handlingthem. I was bitten by a dog and endedup in hospital once for four days. However,while I was at home recuperating, Ilooked after an abandoned dog thatended up becoming my pet. (I called himKipper after the children’s TV programmeI was watching at the time).

What training have you received so far? My initial training lasted six months and took place at the RSPCA’s nationalheadquarters. At the centre, I learnt arange of skills involved in boat rescue,rope rescue, ladder work, legal issuesand how to cope with aggressive people.I also have a refresher course to updatethese skills every year.

What hours do you work?I work from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Mondayto Friday. However, animals can needhelp 24 hours a day, so I am on call duringthe evenings and have weekend duties –but these extra duties are on a rota system.

Do you have to wear a uniform?Yes. I wear trousers, a shirt, jumper orjacket and boots. I’ve also gotwaterproofs, overalls and boots for wetweather and for use during rescues.I wear protective clothing when I’mdealing with an animal that might bite,scratch or kick.

What do you like best about your job? I like the variety of work and people that I meet. I also get a real sense ofachievement when I help an animal orimprove its standard of life.

2

Animals and animal care

Animals range from domestic pets such as cats and dogs to exotic and rare foreign species only seen in zoos.If you enjoy being with animals there could be a career waiting for you in caring, training or even studyingtheir behaviour.

What does your job involve?My job covers three main areas.I investigate complaints of cruelty and neglect which involves prosecuting where necessary, rescuing and collectinginjured and sick animals, and providinghelp and information on animal care and welfare issues.

How do you rescue animals?I have a variety of rescue equipment inmy van, such as nets, swan hooks andgraspers. I also use animal carriers, whichcome in a variety of sizes, shapes andforms to handle all the types of animals I may encounter.

What inspired you to work for the RSPCA?I trained in agriculture initially beforebecoming a veterinary nurse – I havealways liked working with animals.However, this job is the one I havealways wanted to do. Being able to helpanimals that are badly treated or injuredis very satisfying and you feel that youare doing a really worthwhile job.

Do you ever find the work upsetting?Yes, it can be stressful as I sometimeshave to deal with aggressive and abusivepeople. You have to be tactful andpatient even when you’re annoyed athow people treat their animals. Once I had to rescue 75 very distressed catsfrom one person’s home who could nolonger look after them.

Herchran Boal is an RSPCAinspector in Birmingham.There are less than 330RSPCA inspectors in the UKand between them theyinvestigate 100,000 complaintsof animal cruelty a year.Herchran’s daily work caninvolve anything from routineinspections of farms and petshops to rescuing trapped,stranded or injured animals.

RSPCA inspector RSPCA inspector

• Gain as much experience workingwith as many different types ofanimals and people as you can.

Herchran’s tip

Herchran’s route

• GCSEs.• A levels.• National Diploma in Agriculture.• Veterinary nurse at local practice.

3

Anna Johnson is an animalphysiotherapist. Her jobinvolves treating animalswho have joint or muscularproblems affecting theirmovements. She uses acombination ofelectrotherapy equipmentand her hands tomanipulate the musclesand joints into betterworking order.

Animalphysiotherapist

Animal physiotherapist

Probationers earn £14,500. Oncetrained, an inspector’s salary can reach£23,000 and up to £26,000 as a chiefinspector.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Dog handlerDog trainerHorse groomLocal government trading

standards officerVeterinary nurseZoo keeper

• Competition is fierce. The RSPCAsays 2,000 people apply to becomeinspectors every year and only 20are successful.

• Applicants need at least twoGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in Englishand a science subject, preferablybiology. For the SSPCA (ScottishSociety), applicants need fiveGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including English and, ideally somequalifications in animal husbandryor science.

• Applicants have to be between theages of 22 and 42, physically fit,and be able to swim 50 metres fullyclothed. They also need to hold afull, clean driving licence.

What does your job involve?I visit farms and stables seeing horses,dogs and cats. This involves hands-ontreatment, as well as keeping notes onmy patients and liaising with vets aboutthe treatments I am giving. I visit aboutsix clients a day and generally start atabout 8.00am. I sometimes drive up to150 miles a day.

What equipment do you use to treat animals?Most of this work is using manualtechniques, but I might also useelectrotherapy equipment such as musclestimulators, lasers, ultrasound andelectromagnetic therapy. When I amtreating horses I stand on a step and I alsoneed a good set of waterproof clothing.

Do you work with veterinary surgeons?Yes. The law states we can only workwith veterinary permission. I also workwith other professionals such as farriers,dieticians and horse trainers who are alltrying to find ways to ease any joint ormuscular discomfort an animal may have.For instance, they may be helping an animalto lose weight and lighten the load ontheir joints, or making a special shoe.


• Remember this job involvestraining to work with humans firstand that is what establishes you asa good physiotherapist.

• A year off after A levels is a greatidea – work in a professional horseyard to gain valuable experience.

Anna’s tips

Anna’s route

• A levels.• Year off working with horses.• Physiotherapy degree at University

of Birmingham.• Worked in hospitals and private

sports injuries clinics.• Apprenticeship leading to

membership of Association ofChartered Physiotherapists inAnimal Therapy (ACPAT).

• Started own practice.

What are the skills and qualities needed? You need patience, confidence, the abilityto communicate with all kinds of people,a non-judgemental approach and a level-headed attitude. You also need the abilityto lead and take control of any situation.

What are your future work goals? I want to continue to improve the welfareof animals and eventually become amember of the society’s internationaldepartment.

4

A newly-qualified physiotherapistworking for an animal physiotherapyclinic may earn about £20,000 – risingto £50,000 with experience or owningyour own practice.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal psychologistChiropractorHorse trainerOsteopathSports physiotherapistVeterinary nurseVeterinary surgeon

• An animal physiotherapist mustfirst qualify as a charteredphysiotherapist with humans.

• This involves a three or four-yeardegree course, followed by twoyears of work before eithercompleting the Association ofChartered Physiotherapists inAnimal Therapy (ACPAT) CoreKnowledge and Skills course,or taking a part-timeMSc/Postgraduate Diploma inVeterinary Physiotherapy run by The Royal Veterinary College.

Why did you choose this career?I wanted to work with animals, but I didn’t want to work as a vet in asurgery or do routine jobs in a stable orkennel. After my A levels I spent a yearworking with event, polo and show-jumping horses. I then did my degree andpractised human physiotherapy, mostlyworking with sports injuries, before doingan apprenticeship with a fellow animalphysiotherapist.

What do you like best about your job?I love working with horses and being in the countryside. I never know where I am going next – I am the Britishequestrian team physiotherapist, so I have been to the Olympics treating the horses and their riders. I have alsolectured in Japan and treated horses in a New Zealand polo yard.

Are there any disadvantages?As I am self-employed, there is always a lot of paperwork and administrationand the phone never stops ringing –sometimes at very odd hours!

What kind of person makes a goodanimal physiotherapist?Anyone who does this job – whether withanimals or humans – must be relativelyoutgoing, with good communicationskills. You need to have a love of animalsand ideally you need to have been aroundanimals all your life. It also helps if youare happy working alone for long periods.

What are your future career plans?I want to continue to work with theBritish equestrian team and to build upmy practice, training other physiotherapiststo work with me. I need to make sure I keep up with improvements in scienceand technology so I can continue to offera good service.

Mark Habben is a zookeeper employed by theZoological Society ofLondon. He is an animalactivities team leader,training animals such as birds of prey andorganising demonstrations,as well as overseeing theday-to-day managementof more than 70 animals.

What does your job involve?I manage a team of about 15 staff andover 70 animals, organising and initiatingenrichment ideas for the animals, animaltraining and public demonstrations. I alsoliaise with other departments, such as thepromotions and marketing offices thatpromote the zoo to the public.

What is your main work routine?Some aspects of the day are routine, suchas recording the previous day’s events ona daily report sheet and checking out anyproblems with the zoo staff who lookafter the animals. Generally, no two daysare ever the same. At present, we areredeveloping a large section of the zoo,so I’m involved in meetings to discusshow we are going to look after theanimals while the area is beingdeveloped and new premises are built.

What equipment do you use in your work? I use a range of equipment that includesitems such as brooms, shovels, buckets,bins, knives, gauntlets, lures, telephones,computers, pens and paper. Some of theseare used for cleaning out the animals’premises, others for handling the animalsand the rest for administrative purposesin the office.


5

Are the animals easy to handle?Not always. Once a young falcon flew away during a training session. Thefollowing morning I thought I saw itsitting on a church roof. I went over witha colleague and some food and begancalling, but it wouldn’t respond to mytraining calls. It was quite embarrassingas a crowd had gathered. Otherwise, allthe animals get used to a routine forcleaning, feeding and exercise and, as a keeper, you allow them to get used toyou by remaining calm and quiet.

Have you always liked animals and nature?Yes. When I was young, I was alwayslooking for toads, slow worms, snakesand spiders in the garden. Also, I hadgone on a falconry course and workedwith lots of reptile species long before I started at the zoo.

• If you are passionate about doingthis as a career give yourself a headstart – become a volunteer and gainas much experience as you can.

• Work hard. The more you put intothis job the more you get out of it.

Mark’s tips

Mark’s route

• A levels.• Degree in Animal Biology.• First job as zoo keeper at

London Zoo.

Zoo keeperZoo keeper

What training have you done in this job?All new keepers now study for a City &Guilds Certificate in Animal Management,learning about nutrition, enclosuredesign, hygiene and safety, breeding,transporting animals, diseases and therole of zoos in conservation, educationand research.

What hours do you work?I start at 8.00am and finish at 5.30pmduring the summer months, but finishearlier at 4.00pm throughout the winter– averaging about 38 hours a week overthe year. I also work alternate weekendsbut get time off to compensate duringthe week.

What are the best and worst thingsabout the job? I love working with a wide variety ofanimal species and with like-mindedpeople. The downside is that we get moreinvolved in office work now – and thatmeans less time being with the animals.

What are the skills and qualities needed?Confidence and patience are veryimportant when working with animalsand the public, plus a real interest inwhat you are doing.

A trainee zoo keeper will earn£14,000 a year. A team leader orsenior keeper can reach a salary of £22,000. A uniform is usuallyprovided and accommodation issometimes available.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Agricultural/biological/horticultural scientist

Countryside/conservation officerCountryside ranger/wardenFarm managerGamekeeperRSPCA inspector

• Most zoos, safari/wildlife parks,sea-life centres, bird gardens andconservation/nature organisationshave volunteer programmes or offerwork experience, part-time andseasonal jobs. This gives people thechance to work with animals or aspart of a conservation project to see if the work really suits them.

• Although a few zoos require noparticular qualifications, others may ask for some GCSEs/S grades to include a science subject orqualifications/experience in Animal Care.

• Qualifications in zoological/wildlifesubjects, animal care andmanagement include NVQs/SVQs,HNCs/HNDs, foundation degreesand degrees, and are necessary foradvancement to senior positions.


What are your long-term work plans?My current position is fairly new for meat the moment and I don’t want to thinkabout the next step until I have fullygrasped this one. However, I worked inthe Amazon basin as a research biologistlast year and would certainly considerdoing that again.

An 18-year-old horse groom withBritish Horse Society (BHS) Stage 3,or a national diploma, can earn£10,000. A head groom might earn£15,000 to £16,000 – rising to £20,000in well-established racing yards.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal technician Horse riding holiday centre manager Horse riding holiday centre ride leader Horse riding instructor Horse-racing jockey/apprentice

• Most training for grooms involvesworking daily with horses underthe guidance of experienced stablestaff. The main way to train is onan Apprenticeship.

• BHS exams Stages 1 to 4 areoffered at colleges and ridingschools. Topics covered includehorse care, riding and stablemanagement, but candidates donot need to take the riding sectionsfor a career as an instructor.

• The Association of British RidingSchools (ABRS) Preliminary HorseCare and Riding Certificate canlead to the Grooms’ Certificate and the Grooms’ Diploma.

• NVQs/SVQs in Horse Care at Levels1 and 2, and in Horse Care andManagement at Level 3 areavailable for people alreadyworking with horses.

What do you like best about your job?I usually go to race meetings when ourhorses are running and it is excitingwhen they win. It is a great feelingleading a winner in. I also enjoy ridingout the horses.

What was your route into this job?I had always wanted to work with horsesso when I left school I went to Park LaneCollege in Leeds to do a BTEC in EquineStudies. This also involved a one-dayweekly placement with my currentemployer who offered me a job at theend of my course.

Caroline Hutchinson works fora trainer at a racing stablenear Wetherby. Caroline hasan exciting job riding aselection of valuableracehorses. It gets evenmore exciting when she hasto lead one of her horsesinto the winner’s enclosure.

What does your job involve?I look after racehorses and make surethey are cared for to the highest standard.This involves mucking out and stableduties, riding the horses on the gallopsand getting them fit for racing. Feedingand watering is very important and I ensure that they all get the correct dietsfor their level of work.

Do you have a typical day?I live in at the stables and normally getup at 7.00am and go directly to work.I start cleaning the stables and muckingout while the horses are in the walker (a circular, self-propelled machine thatautomatically exercises the horses) untilabout 10.00am when I have breakfast.The rest of the morning is taken up ridingout, cantering and galloping until lunchtimewhen the horses are fed.

Everyone is left in peace until lateafternoon when the horses get morefresh water and hay. I dress (cover with a blanket) those horses in training andgive them their evening meal for the night.We usually finish at about 5.30pm.

What equipment do you use?We all have to wear riding hats, jockeyskull caps, riding boots and gloves. Wemust ensure that all our tack (saddle andbridle), is safe before we sit on any horses.

6

Horse groomHorse groom

• Do a placement at a racing yard to see if you enjoy it.

• Learn to ride before you go toracing college so you have anunderstanding of the basics.

Caroline’s tips

Caroline’s route

• GCSEs.• BTEC in Equine Studies.• Offered current job while on

placement.


77

What hours do you work?I work Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm, depending upon the weather andthe time of year. On average, I work about40 hours a week throughout the year.

What do you like best about your job?Teaching nervous and/or apprehensiveriders how much fun riding can be, andseeing how much their skill andconfidence grows. The biggest advantageis being able to work with horses as afull-time job. Working outside can be verypleasant, especially in the summer, butthe winter months are cold on the feet.

Faye Dean has the one jobthat she always wanted –working with horses. Themain task she really loves isteaching people to ride.However, she still has to dothe mundane, routine taskssuch as mucking out, feedingand grooming horses.

What does your job involve? I mainly give riding lessons to clients. Thisinvolves teaching them how to handlehorses and riding with them. I alsooversee the health and safety of staff andcustomers. Working with horses alwaysincludes feeding, worming, mucking outand grooming, plus general yard duties.

How did you get into this job? I took my First Diploma in Equine Care at college in Leeds. I followed this bycompleting the National Diploma inEquine Care and BHS Stage 1, then NVQLevels 1 to 3. During this time I had aplacement at this yard and was offered a job when I finished.

Why did you choose this type of work?I grew up wanting to care for horses, andas I got older I wanted to teach peopleabout the fun and knowledge you canreceive from being with a horse.

• Horses must always come first – evenwhen you are tired and miserable.

• Be prepared for long hours.However, it is a very rewarding job.

Faye’s tips

Faye’s route

• GCSEs.• First Diploma in Equine Care.• National Diploma in Equine Care.• BHS Stage 1.• NVQ Levels 1 to 3 in Equine

Management.

Horse ridinginstructor

Horse riding instructor

Pay depends upon qualifications andwhether accommodation, meals andlivery are provided. Starting salariesare around £12,000 and experiencedinstructors may earn £18,000 to£22,000. The highest salary might be £30,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Horse riding holiday centre managerHorse riding holiday centre ride leaderHorse-racing jockey/apprentice Outdoor activities instructor Sportsman/woman (individual) Veterinary nurse

• Opportunities for riding instructorsare reasonably good. There are over2,000 riding schools or trekkingcentres around the UK, especially in rural areas. Instructors can alsowork for training centres,competition yards and collegesoffering equine courses.

• Most riding schools expect ridinginstructors to have qualificationsfrom the British Horse Society (BHS)or the Association of British RidingSchools (ABRS).

• Teaching courses up to NVQ Level 3are available at colleges and ridingschools leading to BHS and ABRSInstructor’s Certificates. Each BHSqualification usually takes a year to 18 months to complete. ABRSexaminations are practical and do not involve written papers.

• The main methods of training for these qualifications are through an Apprenticeship or BHSApprenticeship, on a full or part-time course, as a fee-payingstudent at a riding school orgaining the underpinning knowledgefor BHS exams through home study.


8

What has your training involved so far?My training is organised by a trainingprovider who also assesses my NVQportfolios. I have to show I understandareas such as anatomy and physiology,anaesthesia and radiography. I attendcollege one day a week to cover thetheory side of the course. At the clinic I have done my Certificate of Competencein the Safe use of Veterinary Medicines.

What hours do you work?On a typical day I work from 8.00am to5.30pm. I am on call one weekend in fourand some evenings, but I get time off inlieu or for working anti-social hours.

What do you like about your job?I enjoy working in a team and I reallyenjoy being in a place where I can learnabout veterinary medicine. Above all,I love working with animals – especiallywhen a patient comes in very sick andwe can make them better.

Are there any downsides?The hours are long and I am on my feetfor most of the day. Also, this professionisn’t very well paid, considering the levelof training and knowledge that is required.

What is your role during operations?I prepare animals for theatre and I draw up medications such as pain relief, anaesthetic and antibiotics. Duringan operation, I monitor all aspects ofanaesthesia, under the guidance of the veterinary surgeon.

What kind of equipment do you use?All sorts of veterinary instruments –especially scissors. I regularly use an x-ray machine/developer, laboratoryequipment such as a microscope,machines for analysing blood samplesand an autoclave for equipmentsterilisation. I also use numerous piecesof equipment to monitor patients underanaesthetic, including stethoscopes.

What was your route into this job?I began by studying at college where I got my qualifications in animal care.While I was still at college, I startedworking on reception in the evenings atthe clinic. This experience led to beingoffered a post as a trainee nurse.

Julia Brigg is training to bea veterinary nurse inCheltenham under thesupervision of qualifiedvets and veterinary nurses.In six months, when shehas passed all her examsand submitted her portfolio,she will be able to registerwith the Royal College ofVeterinary Surgeons as aveterinary nurse.

What does a veterinary nurse do?I care for hospitalised animals, giving anymedication or injections they might need.I help the vet during examinations andoperations, and go out on visits. I alsocarry out laboratory examinations such as blood and urine testing.

What other responsibilities do you have?I help in the nurse clinics, giving generalinformation to owners about domesticanimals, doing post-operative checks andtaking stitches out. I position animals forradiographs, develop the x-rays and takeblood samples. It’s also my job to keepthe surgery clean and hygienic bydisinfecting it daily.

How is your day organised?We have a rota system covering differentduties and responsibilities. For instance,when on kennel nurse duty I will alsolook after the sick and recovering animalsand prepare bills for clients on thecomputer. As a laboratory nurse I will beinvolved in doing laboratory tests andsending off samples to externallaboratories for further testing.

Veterinary nurseVeterinary nurse

• Be prepared to tackle all jobsassociated with looking after sick animals.

• You need a strong stomach – blood,faeces and vomit are everyday sights.

Julia’s tips

Julia’s route

• GCSEs.• National Certificate/Diploma in

Animal Care.• NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care.• HND in Veterinary Nursing.


9

The starting salary for a qualifiedveterinary nurse is around £13,000.A head nurse can earn over £20,000.Some practices also provideaccommodation. Student salaries varyand may include accommodation anda contribution towards training fees.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal physiotherapistDog groomerDog trainerHorse groomKennel workerRSPCA inspectorVeterinary surgeon

• It takes two years to train as aveterinary nurse. This involvesemployment-based training at apractice approved by the RCVS.

• The minimum qualifications to starta training course are 5 GCSEs/Sgrades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent,including English, maths and twoscience subjects, a BTEC NationalDiploma or Certificate in AnimalCare, or a BVNA (British VeterinaryNurse Association) Animal NursingAssistant Course (ANA) – a day-release or correspondence course.

• Trainees work towards NVQs/SVQsin Veterinary Nursing at Levels 2and 3 and have to pass exams andsubmit a portfolio to obtain theRoyal College of Veterinary SurgeonsVeterinary Nursing Certificate.

• HNDs and degrees are anotherroute to qualification, althoughstudents are not paid duringplacements.

• There are specialised courses forEquine Veterinary Nurses.

What kind of equipment is available to you?The veterinary school is equipped with allthe regular medical diagnostic equipmentsuch as x-rays, ultrasound, MRI scanningmachines, medicines and stethoscopes.

What kind of animals do you see?I work with all kinds, from the smallestdomestic animals and exotic pets, tohorses and other large animals. Thehospital has special wards for dogs andcats, a unit for horses and larger animals,and a university farm so that we canlearn how to treat livestock.

What inspired you to choose this career?Inspiration to become a vet came frommy interest in anatomy. I was veryinquisitive about how muscles work.Veterinary medicine seemed perfectbecause it allowed me to learn about theanatomy of lots of different species andto compare them.

Patricia Mundy has almostcompleted her training tobecome a vet. She is nowfinishing her final yearworking in practice underthe supervision of a seniorclinician at the Universityof Cambridge’s Queen’sveterinary school hospital.

What does your job involve?I admit animals into the hospital andcarry out tests to work out what might be wrong with them. Once I have made adecision, I discuss treatment options withsenior clinical staff and animal owners.

Do you have a typical day?My day varies according to which animalsare in and which areas of the hospital I am working in. Usually my day beginsat 8.00am, when I check the animals andrecord any overnight progress. This isfollowed by admitting any new cases andcontinuing to investigate the old cases.I usually finish at about 7.00pm.

• Work hard at school as this is thebest foundation for any future career.

• Be prepared to listen – everyonehas something to teach you.

Patricia’s tips

Patricia’s route

• A levels.• Degree in Veterinary Science.

Veterinarysurgeon

Veterinary surgeon


10

What kind of training do vets have to do?In the first three years I learnt the basicsof animal science, like how bodies workand which muscles move which joints. Inthe fourth and fifth years we start clinicalstudies, learning what happens when themuscles stop working, how this differsbetween species and how they might beaffected by it.

When do you start practising as aqualified vet?That is what I am doing right now – inmy sixth and final year. This is where I use all my knowledge from the previousfive years. Although I am closely supervisedby clinical staff, I am responsible for myown cases and have to decide what’swrong with them and how to make thembetter. Once I complete this year, I canapply for veterinary jobs anywhere.

What do you like best about being a vet? I like meeting the owners – even the veryeccentric ones! But the best bit is beingable to hand animals back to their ownersin a better medical state than when they arrived.

Is there anything you dislike about the job?It’s not nice having to deal with sickanimals knowing I cannot do anythingclinically to help them recover. Thehardest part is when I have to tell owners the bad news. I find this reallyemotional as owners get very attached to their animals.

What qualities are needed to become a good vet?Obviously, you must want to work withanimals and get satisfaction out ofhelping them to recover from their variousailments. The most important skill iscommunication, because you have to beable to talk to the owners and listen towhat they say. They know their animalsbest. You also need to be prepared for theodd scratch or bite. I was recently kickedin the knee by a calf!

A newly-qualified vet starts on about£20,000 a year. Senior partners canearn over £50,000. Some employersoffer benefits such as a car andaccommodation allowance.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal pathologistAnimal physiotherapistMeat hygiene inspectorRSPCA inspectorVeterinary scientistZoo keeper

• To study as a vet, applicants mustattain high grades in at least threeA levels/H grades in subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics andmaths. Some universities accept athird A level in a non-sciencesubject, as long as it is anacceptably academic subject.

• Veterinary degrees are available at six UK universities: Bristol,Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow,Liverpool and London (RoyalVeterinary College). Courses last forat least five years and competitionfor places is intense.

• University veterinary schoolapplicants must show evidence oftheir interest and commitment.Useful work experience can includehelping out at a local veterinarysurgery, farm work or experiencewith horses.

Nick Buckland works in theArk Petcentre and is theenvy of many of his friends.Who wouldn’t want a jobhandling kittens, rabbits andhamsters all day? But wouldthey also want to handle the5ft boa-constrictor that hewas once called upon todemonstrate?

What does your job involve?I serve customers who come into theshop. They may want to buy pets or petproducts such as foodstuff, beds, cages,or equipment such as dog leads orcollars. Many just come in to browse,look at the animals or ask for advice.Much of the work with animals involvescleaning out the equipment. We do thisregularly using special disinfectant.

Do you actually handle and look afterthe pets?Yes. This includes the ‘furries’ such asrabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters, mice andkittens. I also deal with snakes andlizards, scorpions, spiders and frogs. All of these have to be handled regularly todemonstrate to customers. I need tohandle the animals while cleaning theircages and just to make them relaxed.

What was your route into this job?Initially, I came to work at the centrewhile at school during work experience.I had always wanted to work outside and when I applied for work experience I expected to be allocated to a zoo.However, the job suits me and I havesettled here.


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Pet shop assistantPet shop assistant

Do you have a typical day?Apart from the routine cleaning, feedingand caring for the animals which aredaily tasks, the rest of the day is spentserving customers or offering advice.Although we do have regular customers,we get a number of new customers andeveryone who walks through the doorseems to have a different query or request.

What training have you received so far?I have completed NVQ Level 2 inCustomer Care. Otherwise my traininghas been on a daily basis on the job. I aminterested in looking at further trainingand qualifications in animal care.

• Take a college course in the subjectthat interests you.

• Take an Apprenticeship if possible.

Nick’s tips

Nick’s route

• GCSEs.• Countryside and environment course

at college.• Key Skills.

What hours do you work?I work normal shop hours from 9.00amto 6.00pm. We open on Sundays, when I work from 10.00am to 4.30pm.I average a five-day week as I get a dayoff in the week and at alternate weekends.

What do you like best about your job?I love the variety and constantly meetingnew people. It is a very active and variedjob and that suits me.

The starting salary for a pet shopassistant is around £9,500 to £10,000.An experienced assistant could earnabout £12,500. Assistant managers ofpet shops can earn £12,500 to £14,000.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Animal technicianRetail managerSales assistantStore demonstratorStore owner/managerVeterinary nurse

• No formal academic qualificationsare required to work as a pet shopassistant. However, qualifications inpet care are useful. Apprenticeshipsmay be available.

• For small animal retailing, relatedqualifications include the BTEC FirstDiploma in Animal Care and BTECNational Diploma in AnimalManagement.

• Relevant qualifications for aquaticsand ornamental fish retailing arethe City & Guilds NationalCertificate in Aquatics andOrnamental Fish Management andBTEC National Diploma in Aquaticsand Ornamental Fish Management.

Are there any disadvantages to your job?Not really. Sometimes there are problemswith animals that can be a bit upsetting.Sometimes we lose one, which can beworrying. We once lost a snake, which weeventually found after a long search.

What are the skills and qualities neededfor this job?A relaxed attitude to handling both petsand customers. This gives them confidencein you and your ability to deal with them.


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Why did you choose this type of work? I always wanted to work with animals.When I read about dog grooming I couldreally see myself doing it and I have neverlooked back since. I just love dogs and cats,and I think it also helped owning a dogmyself who needed constant grooming.

What do you like best about your job? Some of the dogs are so loving it is a real joy to groom them. They come intothe parlour looking really scruffy andsorry for themselves, and leave lookingabsolutely gorgeous!

What skills and qualities are needed?As well as liking dogs, you need peopleskills for working with others and talkingto customers. A patient, positive andcaring attitude is important. You alsoneed a strong stomach as not all dogsare well looked after. They might beincontinent or you could have to dealwith fleas and worms.

What is involved in grooming?Grooming can take two hours. Initially,we assess the dog’s condition, looking for any lumps and checking the skin byparting the hair to see if the dog has anyticks, fleas or any red, sore or inflamedareas that may require treatment. Thedog’s eyes, ears, mouth, nose, feet andnails are also checked.

Clipping usually starts with a rough coatcut using scissors, before shampooing,drying with a specialist hairdryer andthen brushing or combing to get rid oftangles. I use electric clippers to trim thedog into the right shape for the breed.The animal is then brushed or combedthrough before a final trim with sharpscissors. Dog groomers also clip clawsand clean ears and teeth, as well astreating parasites.

What equipment do you use? Lots of grooming equipment such asscissors, clippers, hairdryers, a dryingcabinet, nail clippers, blades, brushes and combs.

What hours do you work?I work a normal 36-hour week. Dogs are booked in between 9.30am and 10.30am and we work on them until the end of the day. I catch up on thepaperwork until 5.00pm.

Heidi Meek is a doggroomer. She is coming to the end of herApprenticeship as a doggrooming technician andplans to set up her owndog grooming business.

What does your job involve? The most important part of my job is togroom dogs. This means cleaning, combingand cutting a dog’s hair – just like ahairdresser. Sometimes, we have to clip a dog to a set style, especially if it is ashow animal. I also have reception duties,booking in and booking out dogs, takingthe money and teaching owners andstudents how to groom their own pets.

Dog groomerDog groomer

• Grooming equipment is costly to buy,but if you buy good quality itemsand look after them well, they willlast throughout your career.

• It is the quality of your groomingand how you care for the dog thatmatters most, not how many you cando in one day.

Heidi’s tips

Heidi’s route

• GCSEs.• Worked part time to fund place on

a two-year dog grooming course.• NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Animal Care

(Dog Grooming).• Apprenticeship at Shuttleworth

College.

A newly-qualified dog groomer canstart on around £10,000 a year, risingto £20,000 for experienced doggrooming technicians.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal physiotherapistAnimal technicianAssistance dog trainerDog trainerHorse groomVeterinary nurse

• Dog groomers can train on the job,perhaps as an apprentice, or take a course in dog grooming at aprivate college.

• Academic qualifications are notusually required, although it helpsto have some knowledge andexperience of different breeds of dog.

• Qualifications in animal care/doggrooming include NVQs/SVQs,City & Guilds certificates and BTEC qualifications.

• With 18 months of practicalexperience, dog groomers can do a City & Guilds Dog GroomingCertificate that involves anexamination and practical testsworking on three breeds of dog.

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Why do you have other livestock at thekennel centre?They are all here to help socialise thedogs in training. We have sheep, goatsand chickens as well as two cats. WhenI’m cleaning out the straw from the chickenhut, a sheep and a goat often try to helpby eating the straw. Fizz (the goat) regularlysteals the bag I’m putting the straw intoand I have to chase her to get it back!

What training have you received so far?I undertook entry level and level 1 training,in which I learned pre and post-operativeprocedures, dog obedience, kennelenrichment and stress reduction techniques,and how to give ‘health talks’ on all aspectsof a dog’s healthcare to deaf recipients.

Ian Parley is a kennelwelfare officer at one of thedog centres for the charity,Hearing Dogs for DeafPeople. He looks afternearly 70 dogs, as well as a menagerie of otheranimals such as sheep,goats and chickens.

What does your job involve? My job is to ensure that all dogs andanimals are cared for and that theirenvironment is kept clean and hygienic.

What is your daily timetable?My day starts with feeding the livestock.Once the dogs have been fed andwalked, I clean the kennels and outsideruns. Then the dogs are groomed andhave their daily health checks. In theafternoon I might take dogs to the vet for a check up or to the hospital to be neutered, or I make sure they are up to date with vaccinations, wormingand flea treatments.

Do you use any special equipment?I am deaf, so in addition to the generalkennel equipment, I use a mobile phonefor everyday contacts and a loop systemin meetings. I also use a van, which I have to keep clean and ready for the next journey.

What was your route into this job? I started off doing voluntary work as agamekeeper’s assistant, where my dutiesincluded cleaning out kennels and helpingto train and exercise the gundogs. Whilst I was studying for my HNC – and laterwhile I was working – I did additionalvoluntary work in boarding kennels.

• Get experience of working withanimals through voluntary work orwork experience placements.

• A qualification in animal welfaregives you a head start.

Ian’s tips

Ian’s route

• GCSEs.• HNC in Electronic Engineering.• Training with Hearing Dogs for

Deaf People.

Kennel workerKennel worker

Salaries range from £10,000 a yearfor trainees, to £15,000 forexperienced or senior kennel workers.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Animal technician Assistance dog trainer Dog groomer Horse groomVeterinary nurse Zoo keeper

• Academic requirements vary, butmost employers ask for up to fiveGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) to includemaths, English and a science subject.

• A Diploma or BTEC in Small AnimalCare or another recognised animalcourse at the equivalent level, orveterinary nurse training is desirable.

• Useful experience includes workingwith animals, such as workexperience in a kennels or aveterinary surgery.

• It is preferable if applicants havehad experience – personal,voluntary or paid – of workingwith the elderly or with peoplewith a disability.

What hours do you work? I work two different shifts, alternatingbetween one week from 8.00am to 4.00pm and one from 10.30am till 6.30pm.

What do you like best about your job? I like the fact that I’m helping other deafpeople to gain more independence, aswell as giving dogs a good life. Becausemany of our dogs are selected fromrescue centres or donated as unwantedpets, we can transform their lives in areally positive way.


What hours do you work? I work a normal 36-hour week, starting at 9.00am and finishing at 5.00pm.Sometimes I do work extra when I want tocomplete a task – but that is down to me.

What do you like best about your job? I like the fact that I am doing somethingwhich makes a difference to people. I geta lot of satisfaction from improving thelives of the rescue dogs we take in andtrain, as well as the people who receivethe dogs.

Do you keep in touch with the dogs you train?Yes. We contact the people regularly toensure they are working well togetherand answer any questions or solve anytraining problems they may have.

Have you always worked with animals?No. After university I worked in an officelearning people skills, becoming computerliterate and gaining some confidence, andthen I took some time off to go travelling.However, I have always been fascinatedby animal behaviour. When I came home I applied for some jobs with animals andwas offered a job with an organisationtraining assistance dogs. This job is variedand interesting and I am helping to makea real difference to people’s lives.

What specific training have you had forthis job?It is a very thorough training programme.First I was sent on a Deaf Awarenesscourse and I have also learnt SignLanguage. For the dog training, we haveintensive instruction over the first sixmonths, although I think you never stop learning.


Sarah Allom trains dogs tohelp deaf and hard ofhearing people cope witheveryday life. The dogsundertake four months ofintensive training withSarah before being placedwith deaf recipients.

What does your job involve?I teach dogs to alert their owners to choseneveryday sounds such as the telephone,doorbell and smoke alarm. They alerttheir owners by touching them and thenleading them to the source of the sound.For danger sounds such as smoke orburglar alarms they are taught to lie down.

How do you choose dogs for training?Dogs are selected from rescue centres ordonated by members of the public. I havefour or five dogs allocated to me at anyone time. We train dogs of all shapes andsizes and look for those which are alert,sociable and loving.

What does their training involve?They spend time in the training centrelearning the sounds and obedience training.They all go into town at least once aweek in their burgundy coats, so they getused to traffic, people and any specificenvironments required by their recipient,such as offices or schools.

What equipment do you use to do this?We have four training houses equippedwith smoke alarms, alarm clocks, cookertimers and a variety of doorbells andtelephones.

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Assistance dog trainerAssistance dog trainer

• Learning Sign Language is great fun and easy to do, even at evening classes.

• Any qualification in animalbehaviour is a good grounding for training assistance dogs.

Sarah’s tips

Sarah’s route

• Degree in Zoology.• Deaf Awareness course.• Specialist dog training course.• British Sign Language Level 1 –

currently studying Level 2.

15

A trainee assistance dog trainer canearn between £12,000 and £18,000,rising to £20,000 with experience.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Animal physiotherapistDog trainerHorse trainerRSPCA inspectorVeterinary nurse

• Experience of handling dogs andrelevant qualifications are helpful,such as NVQs/SVQs in Animal Care.

• Minimum qualifications varyaccording to the charity and whetherthe job involves initial or advancedtraining. Guide dog trainers need a minimum of three GCSEs orequivalent. Advanced trainers mayneed to offer two A levels or higherqualifications in subjects related toanimal behaviour.

• Experience of working with theelderly or disabled is an advantage.An understanding of the particulardisability the dogs are being trainedfor is helpful.

What are the skills and qualitiesneeded?Patience is the most importantrequirement for training dogs, as well as understanding the needs of deaf andhard of hearing people.

What are your long-term career goals? I want to stay in this job and hopefullymove on to training other trainers.

What equipment do you use?All my farriery equipment is in a pick-upvehicle. I use a gas forge, an anvil and avice, plus a variety of tools such as tongs,safety glasses, hammers, rasps and nailpullers. I also carry a large selection ofhorse shoes, nails and glues.

How did you get into this job?I left school with GCSEs and applied tothe Farriery Training Service for a list ofapproved farriers who would train me as an apprentice. I completed anApprenticeship over four-and-a-half yearswhich included 22 weeks at college.

Do you have a typical day?Working days and hours vary. I normallyarrive at the forge at about 6.30am,collect a work sheet, and organise shoesand other equipment I might need for theday. I then clean the vehicle, polish mywork boots and set off to the first jobwith an apprentice, usually by about 9.00am. The rest of the day is spenttravelling to premises to shoe, trim orassess all types of horses.

The time spent with each client dependsupon the number of horses to be checked.Up to 100 horses could be involved at alarge-scale stable and each horse requiresindividual attention. Sometimes I visitlocal suppliers or vets, to collect equipmentor medical supplies – arriving back at myforge premises by 6.00pm.

• Gain work experience in somethingyou really want to do.

• Be prepared to move or travel tofind the right job.

Nathan’s tips

Nathan’s route

• GCSEs.• Apprenticeship in Farriery.• NVQ Level 3 in Farriery.

FarrierFarrier

Nathan Appleton’s job bringshim into contact with horsesand sometimes with theirowners. He works from apick-up van – travelling tostables to shoe horses forowners who can vary fromlocal farmers to racehorseowners and, even,professional footballers.


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Janine Roberts started towork in a florist shop assoon as she left school.After an Apprenticeshipand further retailexperience, she now ownsher own shop in York andhopes to open moreshops in the future.

What are your main responsibilities?I decide what stock to order and make itlook fresh and attractive each day. I mustlook after customers coming into theshop and see that orders are dealt withsatisfactorily. I also have the financialresponsibility of the shop and mustensure sales are sufficient to cover all expenses, leaving enough for me to live comfortably.

Do you have a typical day?Not really, as all the customers and theirrequests are sufficiently different to makeeach day interesting. Apart from servingcustomers I have to allocate time tocreate displays, such as weddingbouquets, buttonholes, floral tributes and wreaths. I also try to build upcontracts to supply displays to offices,hotels and shops. I meet a wide variety of people as a result.

What equipment do you use if any?I use a till for cash and cheques and acomputer to check invoices. I also havean automated response machine for instantconfirmation of credit card transactions.

Apprentice farriers can earn up to£8,500, rising to between £11,000and £14,000 on completion.Experienced farriers can earn morethan £50,000. Most farriers are self-employed, earning fees forcompleted work.

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Blacksmith Horse groom

• Farriers can only enter the tradethrough an Apprenticeship in Farrieryand must be registered with TheFarriers Registration Council to carryout their work.

• Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and the minimumentry requirements are four GCSEs/Sgrades (A-C/1-3), including English.

• All apprentices are in paidemployment, so prospectivecandidates must find an employerfor the apprenticeship period. Thereare approximately 300 approvedtraining farriers on the FarrieryTraining Service’s (FTS) list.

• Off-the-job training is held at FTS approved colleges in Englandand Scotland – HerefordshireCollege of Technology, MyerscoughCollege, Lancashire, WarwickshireCollege and Oatridge AgriculturalCollege, Edinburgh.

Why did you choose this type of work?Although I am quite academic, I muchprefer to be working outside. This careeris interesting, varied and specialised andit enables me to travel and meet new andinteresting people. I also like workingwith animals. It is physically challenging,yet I find it rewarding to see my workappreciated by both horse and client!

What are the advantages anddisadvantages of the job?Every day is different and I enjoy workingwith professionals. I find it very rewardingand satisfying. The only disadvantage isthat there are not enough hours in theday to do what I have to do.

What skills and qualities are necessaryfor this job?You must be willing, honest and hardworking. You need to have a love ofhorses and be able to communicate withclients. You must respect confidentialityand be reliable and dedicated.

What are your long-term work goals?Eventually I want to own and run myown forge with apprentices who areworking and training with me.

Animals and animal care Plants

17

Florist Florist

What was your route into this job?I completed a two-year Apprenticeshipcourse at college, which involved trainingin a florist shop for four days each weekplus a day at college. The training involveda variety of tasks, from learning how toarrange flowers into different designs toconditioning flowers and caring for them.It also included how to serve customersand take orders. I then gained furtherretail experience working for a floristbefore setting up my own business.

I like being creative and working withflowers. I get real satisfaction fromdisplaying flowers in my shop andmaking arrangements for customerswhich reflect my personal input.

• You will gain experience morequickly by combining work withtraining through an Apprenticeship,rather than taking a full-timecollege course.

• Be creative and don’t be afraid totry out new designs and ideas.

Janine’s tips

Janine’s route

• GCSEs.• Two-year Apprenticeship in Floristry.• NVQ Level 2 in Floristry.

What hours do you work?The shop opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30am to 5.00pm.However, I usually get to the shop a little earlier to take deliveries and sorteverything out before opening the door.

What do you like best about your job?I really enjoy the feedback from customerswho appreciate the arrangements I make.Also, being surrounded by colourfulflowers is such a nice environment inwhich to work.

What disadvantages are there torunning your own business?You have to put in long hours as thebusiness side has to be done as well as the day job of working in the shop.Also, it is hard work at the beginninguntil the business becomes sufficientlyprofitable to support extra help and forme to take holidays.

What skills and qualities are needed?You must have an eye for detail, artisticflair, good communication skills and havea friendly personality.

There are no set pay scales for florists –rates can vary enormously, dependingon the size of the shop and where it is situated. A full-time entrant will startat around £9,000 to £10,000, rising to£14,000 to £15,000 with experience.

Salary information

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Garden designerGreengrocer Horticultural/garden centre

worker/manager Market trader Retail manager

• Florists are most likely to work insmall businesses employing fewerthan five people. There is no upperage limit for becoming a florist, andno academic qualifications arerequired. Apprenticeships (Skillseekersin Scotland) may be available.

• People who go directly into floristryare trained on the job. It is alsopossible to enter after a course oftraining which may lead to a BTECFirst Diploma in Floristry, BTECNational Diploma in Floristry orBTEC Higher National Diploma inFloristry – a two or three-yearcourse that prepares students formanagerial work or self-employment.

• Entry qualifications are usually fiveGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) with oneA level/H grade. NVQ/SVQ Levels 2to 3 in Floristry are available withCity & Guilds National Certificate inProfessional Floristry – entry usuallywith NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Floristry.

• Experienced florists can gain theIntermediate Certificate of theSociety of Floristry (ICSF) followedby the National Diploma of theSociety of Floristry (NDSF), thehighest floristry award in the UK,which has international recognition.Some colleges offer courses toprepare florists for the ICSF and the NDSF.


Horticulture is a huge industry and the largest employer in the UK. You could be working in the retailsector or providing a garden design service. There are also opportunities working in a scientificenvironment developing new plant varieties and developing disease control techniques.

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What do you like best about your job? I like having the opportunity to becreative at work. Also, it is satisfyingbeing your own boss and working to yourown standards. However, it can be hardsometimes working outside in wet andcold weather.

What hours do you work? I have to be flexible, but mostly I workfrom 9.00am to 5.00pm. I visit clients inthe evening and on Saturdays, as I haveto fit in with when people work andwhen they are available to see me.

What equipment do you use? Drawing equipment, because my designsare very creative and are all drawn byhand, not on the computer. I also usesurveying equipment and all sorts ofgardening tools on site.

Becky Bishop is a partner ina landscape design andconstruction company. Sheis responsible for drawingup plans and supervisingthe construction of gardens,as well as choosing thetrees, plants and shrubs togo in them.

What does your job involve? I visit the client and discuss the mainrequirements. After inspecting the site,I go away and draw up a design. Apartfrom the plants I need to think aboutother materials to use, such as waterfeatures, path coverings, fencing and soforth. I discuss this with the client, estimatethe costs and work out a schedule ofhow to bring the design into reality.

How do you organise the project?I organise the delivery of materialsneeded, brief my partner on what jobsneed doing on site and then supervise all the planting. However, most projectscannot be completed in two days as inTV make-over programmes!

What do you do in a typical day?It can be a mix of tasks. For instance,I could be taking a brief from a potentialclient, drawing up plans or talking throughthem with the customer. I could also beworking on site, buying materials andplants or doing some office work. Apartfrom the garden design work I get involvedin the business tasks associated withrunning a company – sales and marketing,paying wages and keeping accounts.

Garden designerGarden designer

• Once you have made a careerdecision go for it. If you have theconfidence and commitment to bea success you will achieve it.

• Remember that your clients arepaying you for a design they willbe happy with. Be flexible anddon’t try forcing them to acceptyour ideas.

Becky’s tips

Becky’s route

• GCSEs.• A levels.• National Diploma in Art and

Design.• Degree in Garden Design.

Garden designers can earn from£15,000 to more than £30,000. Manywork on a freelance basis, so incomesare based either on an hourly rate orset projects.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Countryside ranger/warden Landscape architectLandscaperParks officer

• Few companies employ gardendesigners directly and mostdesigners are, therefore, self-employed. However, many gardencentres and landscaping companiesoffer a garden design service –offering scope for freelance services.

• Most clients choose garden designerson the basis of previous experienceand relevant qualifications.

• A variety of HNC/HND andfoundation courses are availablewith degrees in garden designoffered at many universities andcolleges. NVQs/SVQs in Constructingand Restoring Landscapes at Level 2and 3, Designing and SpecifyingLand Designs at Level 3 andDesigning Landscapes and Planningtheir Management at Level 4, arealso on offer.

Plants

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Do you have a typical day? Not really, as every day can be different.Monday is often taken up with orderingstock and liaising with suppliers. The nexttwo days are spent tidying up the centreafter the peak weekend trading –sweeping the paths, pruning, dead-heading and watering the plants.

Plant supplies arrive on Thursday andFriday and these have to be sorted,priced and displayed in readiness for theweekend. All these tasks, are fittedaround serving the customers as well.

Do you have any responsibility for buying?Yes. I have just returned from Germany,where I was visiting a supplier and seeingtheir range of stock. I purchased a widerange of plants.

What are the skills and qualities neededfor this job?You need good communication skills,good time keeping and flexibility to workadditional hours at peak periods.

Why did you choose this type of work? I enjoy being outside and there is a goodvariety of different things happeningthroughout the year. I like plants andafter leaving school began working part-time at this garden centre which led to a full-time job.

Andrew Strudwick is theoutdoor plant areamanager at DobbiesGarden Centre in Aberdeen.He feels he has the perfectjob for someone who likesworking in the open air andin an environment thatchanges with the seasons.

What does your job involve? My responsibilities cover themanagement of the outdoor area of thegarden centre. This includes the care ofplants and equipment. The outdoor areastocks a wide range of different plants,terracotta pots, stoneware, compost andfencing and trellis. I also have a role inordering and maintaining stock levels,liaising with suppliers, helping customersand supervising staff, as well as dutymanager responsibilities.

• Rewards for working hard at workusually include opportunities formore training and chances to climbthe ladder.

• Always be keen and willing.• Don’t hesitate to go for what you

really want to do.

Andrew’s tips

Andrew’s route

• S Grades (GCSEs in England).• Specialist course in amenity

horticulture at Clinterty College, Aberdeen.

• City & Guilds course inHorticulture.

Garden centre managerHorticultural/garden centre worker/manager

Starting salaries are around £10,000.Experienced horticultural and gardencentre workers may earn £12,000 ayear, and those in larger gardencentres with more responsibility maybe paid up to £15,000. Managers canearn from £20,000 upwards dependingon the size of the business.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Arboricultural worker/tree surgeonForest officerGardenerGreenkeeperGroundspersonParks officer

• Apprenticeships (Skillseekers inScotland) may be available leadingto NVQs/SVQs in Horticulture andForestry up to Level 3. There arealso NVQs/SVQs at Level 4, whichare aimed at developingmanagement skills.

• Entrants might be taken on by larger businesses that offer amanagement trainee scheme. Entryis normally with a HND/HNC or aDegree in Horticulture.

• People who start work at a juniorlevel may study part-time or bydistance learning for relevantcertificates or diplomas, or for theRoyal Horticultural Society (RHS)General Certificate, AdvancedCertificate or Diploma inHorticulture, or Master ofHorticulture. Part-time and openlearning courses are available formany of these qualifications.

• It may also be possible to do acollege course for the City & GuildsNational and Advanced NationalCertificates in Horticulture (NCH and ANCH) or a BTECNational Diploma.


Plants

20

What does your job involve?I attend to trees in a variety of city,countryside and conservation areas. Thisincludes cutting down dead or dangeroustrees, limb removing, pruning andshaping, stump grinding and hedgecutting. I also carry out cable and rodbracing and surveys of mature trees.

Andrew Dodsworth is achargehand arborist, whichis the technical name for a tree surgeon. There is farmore to this job thanmerely cutting down trees.They are a much protectedspecies and the legal andtechnical problems involvedin dealing with them arehis responsibility.

What equipment do you use for this?I use chainsaws to prune trees andremove diseased or weak branches.Tractors are used for removing trees andheavy branches. I also use other specialistequipment, such as hoists and harnessesfor working at heights and mechanicalwood chippers to reduce the branches to mulch, which can either be left on site or removed easily.

Do you have a typical day?Most days consist of working on site.I may have to visit a client to discuss the work required and recommend whatneeds to be done. The trees involved maybe in a conservation area and covered bya Tree Preservation Order. This wouldneed the consent of the local authoritybefore works could be carried out, so I would help the client with the paperworkrequired for an application to be made.

Once we have decided what to do, I haveto carry out the work making sure itcomplies with British Standards. Finally,I have to make arrangements to disposeof the waste material and clean themachinery that we have used.

Tree surgeonArboricultural worker/tree surgeon

• Go to college.• Pass your driving test.• Keep yourself fit.

Andrew’s tips

Andrew’s route

• GCSEs.• National Diploma in Arboriculture.• NVQ Level 2 in Woodland

Management.

Why did you choose this type of work?I wanted to work outdoors and at thesame time have a skill that would lead to a career.

What training did you receive?After leaving school, I went to college toobtain a National Diploma in Arboricultureand a NVQ Level 2 in WoodlandManagement. I am still receivingvocational on-the-job training.

What hours do you work?I work five days a week, Monday toFriday from 7.30am to 4.00pm. I may becalled out in an emergency to attend totrees damaged during storms. Sometimes,fallen trees may have damaged buildings.

What skills and qualities are requiredfor this job?Arborists have to climb trees, so a headfor heights is essential. You also have tobe physically fit.

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Laboratorydiagnostician

Agricultural/biological/horticultural scientist

Kim Roberts works as alaboratory diagnostician atThe Scottish AgriculturalScience Agency (SASA). Herrole is a bit like being anagricultural detective. Fromautumn through to springshe concentrates on potatofields, checking soil forpests. Her summer monthsare spent identifying acommon agricultural pest – greenfly.

What do you do?I detect and identify insects whichdamage crops. Part of my job is to lookfor worms called potato cyst nematodes(PCN) which, as their name implies,destroy potatoes. I also identify aphids,or greenfly, which are an importantagricultural pest species as they transmitplant viruses. One of my jobs is to keepvery destructive pests like the yellow-and-black striped Colorado beetle out ofBritain. Occasionally, they sneak in onimported herbs or vegetables. If someonefinds a suspected Colorado beetle, it issent to us for identification.

What equipment do you use? The most essential item is my microscopeto look for cysts from washed soil samplesand in summer for aphid identification.Aphids are collected in special 40ftsuction traps. I also use chemicals, a fume cupboard, centrifuge, specialisedequipment for drying and washing soilsamples, and office equipment such ascomputers and photocopiers.

• Voluntary or summer holiday workis a good way to build experienceand make contacts.

• Biological institutions often look fortemporary staff to help at busytimes of the year.

Kim’s tips

Kim’s route

• S grades (GCSEs in England).• H grades (A levels in England).• Degree in Zoology at the University

of Dundee.• Currently taking a Masters Degree

in Wildlife Biology and Conservation.


Salaries for arboricultural workersstart at around £11,000, rising withexperience to £18,500. The highestsalary might be around £24,000 for anexceptional climber who works quickly.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Arboriculturist Countryside ranger/wardenForest officerForest workerGardenerGreenkeeperGroundspersonHorticultural/garden centre

worker/managerLandscaper

• There are no set minimum entryrequirements for arboriculturalworkers, but there are a number of useful courses.

• All arboricultural workers must beable to show competence in theirjob through the completion ofNational Proficiency Tests Council(NPTC) certificates, or otherprofessional certification such as the National Certificate inHorticulture (City & Guilds) whichincludes arboriculture options atsome colleges.

• BTEC National Diploma courses inArboriculture, Forestry andArboriculture or CountrysideManagement (WoodlandManagement) are usually availableas two-year, full-time courses.

• Certificate in Arboriculture (Theory)Craftsman Level 2 combined with anumber of NPTC certificates ofcompetence can lead to successfulapplication for the full Certificate inArboriculture (Royal Forestry Society).

• NVQs/SVQs Level 2 in Arboricultureand Level 3 in Treework(Arboriculture) are available. Level 3includes supervisory skills. This canbe useful for workers aiming to gainwork as supervisors or foremen.

• The International Society ofArboriculture provides a certifiedarborist qualification through its UKbranch. This qualification is gainedthrough attendance at seminars andthe completion of written exams.

How do you divide your time?In the summer, I spend most of my timesorting and identifying samples for thesuction trap, then entering data into acomputer database. In the winter,I examine soil samples.

22

Ruth Ferguson is a traineemanager at an organicfarm in Northern Ireland.In the six months sinceshe has been working atBallylagan, Ruth has hadto learn a lot aboutorganic farming methods,and how to manage theland without usingchemical fertilisers.

What do you do?I help run a mixed organic farm. We keepcattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and horses,and we also produce fruit and vegetables.I also have to do office work andmaintain the farm records, as well asordering animal feed and organisinglicences for animal movement.

What is special about organic farming?The animals are reared in the mostnatural way possible, without chemicalsin their food or unnecessary medicines,unless they are ill and need veterinarytreatment. The animals are allowed to

• This job is a good choice if you wantto work with animals and have anactive outdoor career.

• You must be prepared for hardphysical work and be willing towork in extreme weather conditions.

Ruth’s tips

Ruth’s route

• A levels.• Degree in Agriculture, Forestry and

Rural Economy.• NVQ Level 2 in Livestock Production.

What was your route into this job? I was a volunteer warden for six monthson the Isles of Scilly. I had an interest ininsect species, so was asked to collectearwigs for a researcher from St AndrewsUniversity. This led to temporary workassisting with his earwig research. Afterthis, I got a temporary position at SASAbefore moving to my present position.

Why did you choose to work with insects?I wasn’t all that keen on science subjectsuntil my sixth year when I started biology.It ended up being my best subject and Iwent on to do a zoology degree. It wasn’tuntil I left university that I discovered aninterest in insects.

What sort of training have you had?The training for some parts of this jobcan take more than two years. When I first started I was given soil sampleswith different types of cysts placed onthem to see how many I could retrieveand identify. I was also taught how toidentify aphids and to use the key, slidesand reference sections. Other skills arelearning how to use microscopes,databases and fieldwork techniques.

What hours do you work?I work a 37-hour week on a flexitimesystem. It means I can start work as early as 7.00am and finish early in theafternoon, for instance.

What do you like best about your job?I like field work and aphid identificationbest. We undertake our own researchprojects and also assist other organisationswith their research in this area.

What are your long-term career goals?I would like to be involved in moreresearch, preferably studying animalbehaviour or conservation issues. It meansI will have to undertake further studysuch as a masters degree or doctorate.

Plants

Scientists working in academic orgovernment institutions earn between£19,000 and £60,000. Someonestarting in a research position in auniversity and with a doctorate, willreceive around £19,000, for instance,rising to £35,000 to £45,000 in asenior research position with agovernment department or agency.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

BiologistBotanistCountryside/conservation officerEntomologistEnvironmental scientistMarine biologistResearch scientist

• For a degree course, applicantsusually need at least two Alevels/three or four H grades andfive GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) inscience subjects, English and maths,or equivalent qualifications. Somewill accept HNCs/HNDs, nationalcertificates/diplomas, or NVQs/SVQsLevels 3 or 4.

• Most scientists have furthereducation qualifications inagricultural, biological orhorticultural subjects.

• A Knowledge Transfer Partnership(KTP) is a great way to fast-track ascientific career. Those with aHNC/HND, NVQ Level 4, foundationdegree or degree can apply. Logonto www.ktponline.org.uk forfurther details.

• It is possible to gain entry inagricultural/biological/horticultureresearch as a technician – entrantsusually need at least four GCSEs/Sgrades (A-C/1-3), including science,English and maths, or equivalentqualifications.

23

Farm managerFarm manager

grow at their own pace and this results in a better quality food product. Organicfarming is also kinder to the environmentthan normal farming methods.

What is a typical day like for you? I walk round the fields to make sure none of the livestock are missing orunwell, or to see if they need moving tofresh grass. After feeding poultry and pigsI do whatever jobs arise on the day.I might need to trim sheeps’ feet, or plantseeds and weed the vegetables. There isalways routine maintenance work to bedone as well.

Do you get involved in marketing the produce?At present, I am only involved in makingsure all the livestock and crops areproduced to reach the right stage formarketing on time.

Do your tasks change with the seasons?Yes. In the summer, I keep an eye on grassgrowth and organise contractors to cutand bale it for winter feed. In winter, thecattle are housed indoors, so a lot of timeis spent feeding them, bedding theirhouses with straw and scraping out theareas where they stand to eat. Also,

Generally, salary levels for trainees andnewly-qualified graduates will start from£17,000 to £18,000, rising to £25,000to £30,000 with experience. Salariescan rise to £40,000 on larger farms.Bonuses paid on profit levels may bepart of the salary package. Managersare expected to live nearby and joboffers often include accommodation.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Countryside/conservation officerCountryside ranger/wardenFish farmerHorticultural/garden centre

worker/managerLandscape manager

• Increasingly, farm managers aregraduates and have some practicalexperience working as a unit orassistant manager or supervisor.However, non-degree qualificationsplus extensive practical experiencecan also provide a route tomanagement.

• Agricultural subjects (includingFarming Management and OrganicFarming) can be studied at a varietyof different levels – from certificateto postgraduate – on courses rangingfrom short distance-learning modulesto full-time postgraduate study.

• Apprenticeships (Skillseekers in Scotland) are available inAgricultural Crops and Livestock(Agriculture and CommercialHorticulture in Scotland), leading toNVQs/SVQs Level 3 in AgriculturalCrop Production, LivestockProduction or Mixed Farming.

• City & Guilds NVQs/SVQs at Level 4 include Agriculture(Livestock Management) andAgriculture and CommercialHorticulture (Crop Management).

because of the weather we wait until thespring when the soil is warmer. Then wewill be ploughing, working the soil andsowing the seeds.

What hours do you work?Generally, I start at around 6.30am andfinish at 6.00pm for five days, plusSaturday mornings. I have time off forbreakfast and other meals as well. Itmeans I probably work about 46 hours a week on average.

Do you use lots of farm equipment?Mostly I use a wheelbarrow, brush, shoveland forks for mucking out and keepingthe bedding clean. I drive the tractor formoving material and field cultivations.

What kind of training have you had?I received most of my training working onfarms and at college. I have also been onvarious courses to learn about organicfarming and the methods we need to use.

What skills and qualities do you need?You need to be practically minded. Youalso need to be patient when workingwith animals because often they will dothe opposite to what you want them to do.


Changes in farming practices and increasing demands from consumers at the other end of the food chainpoint to a wide range of career opportunities. Highly qualified and motivated professionals, alongsidethose with more traditional agricultural and land management training, are needed to meet these challenges.

24

What is the most rewarding aspect ofyour job?That is easy. I love caring for the animals.There are times when I have to nurse sickanimals back to health, or revive newborn lambs that might die if I wasn’tthere to help. I love spring and lambingtime – the novelty of having all the babylambs running around still hasn’t worn offand I don’t think it ever will!

What are the disadvantages?The hours can be very unsociable and it is hard getting motivated on a wet, darkand cold morning. Animals don’t stop forholidays or weekends – they always needlooking after. Also, you must be preparedto get dirty.

What qualities are needed for this job?You need to have common sense and bekeen to learn. You also need to be able totake the rough with the smooth becausenot every job is pleasant!

What will you do once you havefinished your Apprenticeship?I would find it hard, financially, to ownmy own farm or rent one. However,I would like to establish my own flock ofsheep and do some relief milking for localdairy farmers.

What hours do you do?I work a 39-hour week, although overtimeis available. I start early, at 7.00am. As ateam, we work alternate weekends.

What qualifications have you achievedso far?I have an NVQ Level 2 in Agriculture andI’m now doing Level 3. I have taken courseson topics such as first aid, driving differenttypes of vehicles and using a chainsaw.I have also achieved NPTC (NationalProficiency Tests Council) certificates ofcompetence in basic stockmanship andwelfare, sheep shearing and how to useanimal medicines and sheep dips safely.

What other skills do you need to learn?Calving is still new to me. I am also keento learn milking. In farming, you never stoplearning and you can never know it all.

Why did you choose farming as a career?Originally, I did an art and design coursebut didn’t like working in an office as I much preferred working outdoors in a freer environment. I knew I wanted towork with animals and started by helpinga local farmer with lambing. He encouragedme to apply for an Apprenticeship.

Lisa Bushrod is a farmapprentice in Cornwall.She attends Duchy Collegeevery Monday, but themajority of her time is spentworking as a stockpersonand tractor driver at thecollege farm, looking aftersheep and cows.

What is involved as a farm apprentice?It’s a mixture of learning on the job andcollege courses. When I am at college I study theory, learning about animalhealth, feeding, breeding, housing andmarketing. On the farm, I am part of theteam and I don’t feel like a student at all.

What kind of jobs do you have to do?At the moment the cows are calving, so I prepare milk for the calves and feed theyoung stock. After breakfast, I check onthe sheep on the quad bike. After lunch,I organise stock tasks, do some odd jobsand later on I help to get the cows in for milking.

Is it very physical work?Yes, there’s always a lot of cleaning and scraping out to do, especially in thewinter when the cows are in the yards,and I have to sweep out wet and soiledsawdust from their cubicles and put outclean sawdust.

What equipment do you use on the farm?During the day I drive a range of tractors,the quad bike and the pick-up truck. Forstock tasks, I use the relevant equipmentto make it easier for me to work with the animals, such as sheep shearers and foot trimmers.

Farm worker(livestock)

Farm worker (livestock)

• Love working with animals.• Don’t be easily put off by weather

conditions.• Get some experience by offering to

help on local farms.

Lisa’s tips

Lisa’s route

• GCSEs.• National Diploma in Art and Design.• Farming Apprenticeship through

Duchy College.• NVQ Level 2 in Livestock Production.

Farm work

25


Do you drive tractors?Yes, a loader tractor which is used formoving pieces of equipment and loadingfeeder wagons and straw trailers. I alsouse the main tractor in the summer forpulling trailers full of silage, corn, maizeand hay. When we are cutting grass, aforager is attached to the back of thetractor which cuts, chops and shoots thegrass into the trailer.

What hours do you work?I work from 9.00am to 5.00pm during theweek and I get additional overtime duringthe summer, when I work in the eveningsor at weekends.

Liam Cannicott looks afterthe arable side of a 120-hectare farm in south-westEngland. He turned tofarming as a career after leaving the army and is currently studyingfor his NVQ Level 2 in Mixed Farming.

What is the busiest time of year for you?It is mainly the spring and summer months.At that time, I am involved in ploughingfields, sowing the seeds and treating theemerging crops to keep them free fromweeds and disease. Depending on theweather, I will be involved in harvestingthe corn crops. We grow crops of maizefor storing as winter feed for the livestockand also make silage from up to threecuts of the grass throughout the summer.

What work do you do at other times?During the winter there is a lot of yardwork to do – I help out looking after theanimals who are all housed from Octoberuntil spring. Even so, when the ground isdry enough I use a slurry spreader toapply farmyard manure on the fields – it helps return the nutrients to the land.

What equipment do you use in the fields?We use a slurry spreader and a fertiliserspreader throughout the year. The combineharvester is used at the end of the summerto harvest the corn crops. I am alsoresponsible for servicing some of theequipment as well, such as ploughs,cultivators and rollers.

• Make sure it is really what you wantto do. You will be part of a smallteam working on your own for alarge part of the time.

• A keen interest in machinery andengineering will help.

Liam’s tips

Liam’s route

• Left school and joined the ArmedForces for two years.

• Farm Apprenticeship.• NVQ Level 2 in Mixed Farming.

Farm worker (crops)Farm worker (crops)

The Agricultural Wages Boardrecommends hourly wage levels for allfarm workers. The minimum rate foran adult (aged 19 or more) standardworker is £5.40 an hour. The minimumGrade 1 rate for an experienced farmworker/unit supervisor is £7.29 anhour – representing an annual salaryfor a 39-hour week of £14,700.Overtime is usually available andsome farms offer accommodation.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Agricultural engineerFarm managerForest workerGamekeeperGardenerGroundspersonHorticultural/garden centre

worker/managerVeterinary nurse

• Qualifications are not alwaysnecessary and Apprenticeships(Skillseekers in Scotland) are available.

• Qualifications depend on the type of farming chosen and includeNVQs/SVQs Level 1 to 3 in Crop orLivestock Production and NPTCTechnical Certificates in Agriculture.The National Certificate inAgriculture is a more academicroute which usually involves twodays of college a week.

• Once an Apprenticeship has beencompleted it is possible to moveonto more advanced qualificationssuch as NVQ/SVQ Level 4, a BTECNational Award/Diploma inAgriculture, or a foundation degree.

• Full and part-time college coursesare available in agriculture such as aBTEC first or national diploma, HNC,City & Guilds national certificateand foundation degrees.

Job information on Farm worker

26

What is your job?I am a stockman on a fish farm whichproduces 750,000 fish a year from 40ponds. I am involved in all aspects of theproduction process, from rearing the fishto harvesting them for the customers.I also have to keep the fish healthy and help maintain farm equipment.

What are ornamental fish?These are the varieties that people buyfor fish tanks and garden ponds. Theserange from goldfish to more colourfuland expensive varieties such as koi. Oneof the most beautiful varieties we produceare called ghosts, which have shiny gold orsilver metallic fins, heads and scale edges.

Robert Malcolm is a fishfarmer. He works atHampshire Carp Hatcheries,a fish farm which breedsand grows a range ofornamental and coarse fish,including the common carpand the Japanese koi.

What about coarse fish varieties?Coarse fish are used to restock lakes andrivers for commercial and private angling.We breed carp and tench to go into stillwaters, plus other varieties such as chuband barbel for rivers.

How do you harvest fish?I walk into the ponds wearing waterproofoveralls. I use a net called a seine, whichis like a small trawling net, to catch thefish. We can also drain the pondscompletely to make sure we haven’tmissed any.

They are graded, either in the pond or inthe fish house. A grader is a fibreglassbox about the size of a shopping basketwith different sized bars on the bottom.The fish that are too small slip throughthe bars and back into the pond. We thentreat all the fish for skin parasites, so thatcustomers receive healthy fish free fromany contamination.

What hours do you work?I usually work an eight-hour day althoughI can work longer hours in the spring,when most of our fish are sold. I averageabout 39 hours a week over the year.

Fish farm workerFish farmer

• This is a small industry, so make asmany contacts as possible.

• It’s very much a hands-on job, soyou have to be prepared to get yourhands dirty.

Robert’s tips

Robert’s route

• GCSEs.• GNVQ in Business and Finance.• First Diploma in Fishery Studies.• National Diploma in Fishery Studies.• HND in Fishery Studies.

What specialist qualifications are neededfor this job?I went to Sparsholt College in Winchester,which specialises in courses in land-basedindustries, and left with my HND inFishery Studies.

What are the best aspects of your job?I love being outside and watching thechanging seasons with all the animal andbird life, like ospreys and otters. I alsofind the production cycle interesting.

What do you dislike about the job?It can get very cold working outside andwe can get winter floods. If there is toomuch rain, a couple of the ponds getflooded by a nearby river and there is arisk that the fish get washed out and lostinto the river.

Farm work

27

GamekeeperGamekeeper

Max Stuart is a juniorgamekeeper andconservation officer at theStradsett estate in Norfolk.This is his first job sinceleaving college and allowsMax to indulge his passionfor the countryside.

What are your main responsibilities?I am an underkeeper, which is a juniorgamekeeper post. I help to run the shooton the estate, as well as getting involvedin the general habitat management andestate maintenance. This also involvesbreeding and rearing the birds for shoots.

• Go beating on local estates to get experience.

• Go to college or university beforeyou decide whether this is the bestcareer for you.

Max’s tips

Max’s route

• First Diploma in GameManagement.

• National Diploma in Game,Wildlife and Habitat Management.

• On-the-job training with head gamekeeper.

A fish farm worker or stockperson can earn around £12,000 a year. Amanager for a large fish farm couldearn up to £30,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Countryside/conservation officerCountryside ranger/wardenFarm managerFisherman/woman/skipperGamekeeperWater bailiffZoo keeper

• There are fish farms in western andsouthern England, North Yorkshire,Scotland and Ireland. Trout andsalmon are the most commonlyproduced fish and are intensivelyfarmed in highly mechanisedenvironments. Most shellfishproduction is in Scotland and Ireland.

• Qualifications are not alwaysnecessary, although fish husbandryskills are an advantage.

• There are a number of colleges inthe UK which offer courses rangingfrom BTEC first diplomas topostgraduate qualifications insubjects such as Aquaculture,Fishery Studies, Fish Managementand Fish Husbandry.

• The Institute of Fisheries Managementoffers Certificate and Diplomacourses in Fish Farming and FisheriesManagement by distance learning.

• In Scotland, Apprenticeships andProgression Awards are availableleading to SVQs in Aquaculture,and Fisheries Management at Level 2 and 3.


What type of shooting events are there?We breed pheasant for family andcommercial shoots. Commercial shootsare when we rent days out to people whopay to come to the estate for a day’sshooting. The pheasant are reared overthe summer months and the season runsfrom the end of summer until the end of January.

What does estate maintenance involve?It covers all types of pest control,including rabbits, rats and hares, as well as looking after the forestry, fencing,hedge trimming and grass cutting. I useequipment like chainsaws, strimmers andweed-sprayers. The estate has a 25-acrelake – about the size of 10 football pitches – and people come to fish here between February and September.During the summer I also get involved in lake management.

What varieties of fish do you stock?We have carp, pike, roach and bream.I use a boat to check things like waterquality and, of course, our fish. I sometimeshave to call in the eel man, who comes totake eels out of the lake before they harmfish stocks.

28

How do you get around the estate?I drive different vehicles depending onwhich part of the estate I am working in,including a quad bike (which I had to geta licence for), a 4x4 jeep, a tractor and aself-propelled, grass cutting machine.

Do you always carry a gun with you?Not all the time. I tend to use a shotgunin spring for shooting pests like rodentsand crows. My rifle is used when weneed to reduce our deer population,as well as for pest control.

What are your working hours?In winter, I start at 7.00am and work until 4.00pm but fit in various breaksthroughout the day. During the summermonths I work longer – especially withthe lighter evenings. I suppose I work anaverage of 40 hours a week throughout the year.

How did you get this job?I live in the neighbourhood of the estateand used to spend my school holidaysworking with the gamekeepers and thebeaters during a shoot. After my traininga position came up and I was successful.

What training have you had?Apart from my college courses, I have a stalker’s certificate of competence,certificates in chainsaw-related operationsand I’ve also learned how to drive atractor and a fork-lift vehicle.

What qualities do you need for this job?Apart from the obvious love of thecountryside and conservation issues, youhave to be hard working and dedicated,reliable and good at using your owninitiative. To be a gamekeeper you needto get shotgun and firearms licences.

What are your long-term career goals?I want to become a head gamekeeper on one of the top shooting andconservation estates.

Pay varies according to the employerand whether the job comes withaccommodation, a vehicle and otherallowances such as clothing. As aguide, a junior or underkeeper willearn around £11,000 a year.Headkeepers earn up to £25,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Countryside/conservation officerCountryside ranger/wardenForest officerForest workerZoo keeper

• Although qualifications are notessential, some employers preferbasic qualifications and agriculturalcolleges require some GCSEs/Sgrades before accepting students on courses to study gamekeeping,countryside and wildlifemanagement courses.

• Relevant courses include a BTEC(Edexcel) First Diploma in Countrysideand Environment (Gamekeeping)and a HNC/D in CountrysideManagement (Game Management).

• In Scotland, the SQA offer HNCGamekeeping and WildlifeManagement.

• Game and Wildlife ManagementApprenticeships (Skillseekers inScotland) are available.

• NVQs/SVQs at Level 2 and 3 in Gamekeeping and WildlifeManagement are available as wellas in specialist skills such as deerand game (bird) rearing.

• A gamekeeper will normally need a firearms or shotgun certificate.

Farm work

Further reading(Some may be priced)

Animals Q&A – Trotman Career Guides Series

Careers Working Outdoors – Kogan Page

Careers Working with Animals – Kogan Page

Come into Horticulture – booklet published jointlyby RHS and Institute of Horticulture

Working outdoors – Connexions

Careers leaflets available from the Royal College ofVeterinary Surgeons: www.rcvs.org.uk

The Horticulturalist – the Journal of the Institute ofHorticulture

RATEL – the journal of ABWAK – Association ofBritish Wild Animal Keepers

For further details on careers look on theConnexions jobs4u website

i www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Further information

Useful addressesThe Arboricultural AssociationAmpfield HouseRomsey Hampshire SO51 9PAp 01794 368717 i www.trees.org.uk

Association of British Wild Animal Keepers(ABWAK)C/o John RayTwycross ZooAntherstoneWarwickshire CV9 3PX i www.abwak.co.uk

The British Horse SocietyStoneleigh Deer ParkStareton LaneKenilworthWarwickshire CV8 2XZp 08701 202244i www.bhs.org.uk

The British Veterinary Nursing AssociationSuite 11, Shenval HouseSouth RoadHarlow Essex CM20 2BDp 01279 450567i www.bvna.org.uk

The College of Animal WelfareLondon Road GodmanchesterCambridgeshire PE29 2LJp 0870 062 1122 i www.caw.ac.uk

Country Land and Business Association16 Belgrave SquareLondon SW1X 8PQp 020 7235 0511i www.cla.org.uk

Defra (Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairs)Information Resource CentreLower Ground FloorErgon HouseC/o Nobel House17 Smith SquareLondon SW1P 3JRp 08459 33 55 77i www.defra.gov.uk

The Farriers Registration Council (FRC) andThe Farriery Training Service (FTS)Sefton House Adam Court Newark Road Peterborough PE1 5PP p 01733 319911 i www.farrier-reg.gov.uk

Flowers and Plants Association266-270 Flower MarketNew Covent Garden MarketLondon SW8 5NBp 020 7738 8044i www.flowers.org.uk

Forestry CommissionSilvan House231 Corstorphine RoadEdinburgh EH12 7ATp 0131 334 0303i www.forestry.gov.uk

The Institute of Garden Design and The Institute of Gardening Honeycombe House Bagley WedmoreSomerset BS28 4TDp 0800 7811715i www.inst.org/gd i www.inst.org/garden

Growing CareersWrittle CollegeChelmsfordEssex CM1 3RRp 01245 424200i www.growing-careers.com

29


The Royal Horticultural SocietyWisleyWokingSurrey GU23 6QBp 01483 224234i www.rhs.org.uk

RSPCA – The Royal Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to AnimalsWilberforce WaySouthwaterHorshamWest Sussex RH13 9RSi www.rspca.org.uk

Scottish SPCA603 Queensferry RoadBraehead MainsEdinburgh EH4 6EAp 0131 339 0222i www.scottishspca.org.uk

Working with animals & plants writtenby Camlee Associates.

Institute of Horticulture14/15 Belgrave SquareLondon SW1X 8PSp 020 7245 6943i www.horticulture.org.uk

The Kennel Club 1 Clarges StreetLondon W1J 8ABp 0870 606 6750i www.the-kennel-club.org.uk

Lantra – the Sector Skills Council for theEnvironmental and Land-based sectorLantra HouseStoneleigh ParkNr Coventry Warwickshire CV8 2LGp 024 7669 6996i www.lantra.co.uk

NAPAEO – The Association for Land Based Collegesi www.napaeo.org.uk

NFU – the National Farmers’ UnionAgriculture House164 Shaftesbury AvenueLondon WC2H 8HLp 020 7331 7200i www.nfu.org.uk

The Pet Care Trust (links to British DogGroomers’ Association)Bedford Business Centre170 Mile RoadBedford MK42 9TWp 08700 624400i www.petcare.org.uk

Royal College of Veterinary SurgeonsBelgravia House 62-64 Horseferry RoadLondon SW1P 2AFp 020 7222 2001 i www.rcvs.org.uk

ApprenticeshipsApprentices learn on the job,building up knowledge and skills,gaining qualifications and earningmoney all at the same time.

There are different levels ofApprenticeship (Skillseekers inScotland) available, but they all leadto National Vocational Qualifications(NVQs), Key Skills qualifications and,in most cases, a technical certificatesuch as a BTEC or City & Guilds, insubjects such as Business, Design, IT,Media & Printing, Public Services,Sport, Sport & Exercise Science andTravel & Tourism.

Check out more details ati www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Check out further details about some of these jobs at www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Jobs which might interest you in the animalsand plants sector include:

Agricultural/biological/horticultural scientistAnimal physiotherapistAnimal psychologistAnimal technicianArboricultural worker/tree surgeonArboriculturalistAssistance dog trainerDog groomerDog trainerFarm managerFarm worker (crops)Farm worker (livestock) FarrierFish farmerGamekeeperGarden designerGardenerHorse groomHorse trainerHorticultural/garden centre worker/managerKennel workerRSPCA inspectorVeterinary nurseVeterinary surgeonZoo keeper

Feedback

We welcome feedback on Working in animals and plants.

If you have any thoughts on the information in this booklet,

or how it is presented, please contact

VT Careers Management at [email protected].

ISBN: 0-86110-895-7

©Crown copyright 2005

Produced by VT Careers Management for Connexions.

Other formats

This publication is available in Braille and on audio cassette.

Please telephone DfES publications on:0845 602 2260 (select option 2), or email:[email protected] to order copies.

A pdf and text only version is available online atwww.connexions-direct.com/wianimalsandplantsYou will be able to use your PC to enlarge the text.

Extracts from this document may be reproduced for

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