Some workshop managers have to manage warranty claims as well as the staff and workshop. They manage budgets and resources and make sure customer requirements for service are covered and completed. They may also deal with stock control issues and negotiate with customers and their issues with service and debts.

They need to be able to work to department targets and meet budgets.

Progression depends on the size of the business, whether it is a single or multi-branch. In a single branch business, the Workshop Manager’s role could be more hands-on, whereas in a multi-branch business, the role could involve the supervision of Workshop foreman and supervisors as well as technicians.

Working Conditions

The job is workshop-based, sometimes visiting customers on site or at farms to discuss service issues and resolve disputes.  Most time will be spent in an office, managing budgets, staff and warranty claims.

Next steps

People are often promoted from the workshop where they have been Senior or Master Technicians, or they enter the business with a degree in engineering, or from other industries, such as motor or heavy plant.

Progress is often possible within the business to General Manager or Director, or into other departments such as Sales.

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

Although this role is similar to that of workshop manager, the supervisor is usually more hands-on, and may spend some of their time working on machines, advising and supporting other members of workshop team and staff. They will work with manufacturers and machine suppliers.

The role includes managing staff, budgets and business department targets.

It is part of the service team and management duties include:

• Organising jobs for staff and completing time sheets
• Managing and mentoring staff
• Carrying out appraisals with team members
• Completing job cards and warranty claims
• Writing up reports and records for completed work
• Writing proposals for out-of-season servicing contracts.

Some Workshop Managers have to manage warranty claims as well as the staff and workshop. They manage budgets and resources and make sure all customer requirements for service are covered and completed. They may also deal with stock control issues and negotiate with customers and their issues with service and debts.

Progression depends on the size of the business, whether it is a single or multi-branch.  In a single branch business, the Workshop Manager’s role could be more hands-on, whereas in a multi-branch business, it could involve the supervision of Workshop foreman and supervisors as well as technicians.

Working Conditions

Workshop-based, sometimes visiting customers on site or at farms to discuss service issues and resolve disputes.   

They will often manage a team, making sure that individuals are up-to-date with technical skills to do their job. Supervisors will also arrange work so that staff can develop their training plans and will organise suitable training where identified.

Next steps

Supervisors are often promoted from the workshop having completed an apprenticeship, or enter the business with a degree in engineering, or from other industries, such as motor or heavy plant.

There may also be opportunities to move into consultancy or set up a business of your own.

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

The Sales Manager is in charge of a branch of a business or organisation, usually located away from the main office, where their direct manager may be based.

The role of the Sales Manager involves supervising staff. They are often expected to be committed to the expansion and success of the business and must ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

Development of the organisation’s employees is a key part of the role, providing appropriate support and suitable training opportunities.

They are also expected to manage a budget, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and for the benefit of the wider organisation in order to meet its objectives.

Sales Managers are responsible for any of the following areas: commercial business, productivity, reporting, hiring and firing, marketing and advertising, and buying and selling. They coordinate with the head office and other branch locations, whether local or national.

A Sales Manager usually performs the following tasks:

• Assessing sales reports
• Drafting and executing market plans
• Training
• Mentoring
• Mediating
• Motivating employees
• Adhering to regulations
• Meeting targets and deadlines
• Ensuring the company make profits
• Budgeting
• Enforcing safety measures.

Working Conditions

The Sales Manager is often expected to work at a distance from their direct manager, who may be based at the organisation’s head office.

The Sales Manager will work with other teams such as the parts and service teams.

Attending monthly management meetings and carrying out staff appraisals is an important part of the role.

Sales Managers have typical office hours but may work long shifts especially at busy time of the year so they can meet customer requirements.

Next steps

From sales manager the next step would be to director level or going self-employed.

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

A Parts Person supports the Sales and Service Departments with the supply of resources or parts. The job involves using computers and paper manuals. It is helpful to have a good understanding of engineering parts and some sales and marketing skills, but training will be provided. A Parts Person manages stock control and purchasing products for sale, working with workshop technicians, the sales team and customers. 

Working Conditions

A Parts Person will be mainly based in a particular store. Normal working hours are 37.5 hours per week but as the industry is seasonal can involve out-of-hours and weekend work. 

Next steps

There are two routes for people to enter the industry, either through a Modern Apprenticeship or an industry apprenticeship with a dealer or manufacturer. 

Having a full driving licence is helpful.

From this role you can progress to Senior Parts Person or Stores Manager or go into Sales. A Parts Person can also progress and move into other parts of the business, such as sales and marketing.

The Land-based Technician Accreditation (LTA) programme sets out a recognised career path which is related to pay scales. 

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

The parts manager’s role is very important to businesses, as it includes managing the parts department budget stock, which is parts kept on the shelf in store and promotional stock in the shop, like tools, spare parts and toys.

They are also be responsible for staff involved with the parts department, apprentices, trainees, qualified parts people and senior parts staff.

Parts managers will be required to work with directors or owners of the business to discuss business plans, targets and stocking rates and levels.

They work closely with repair workshops, making sure there is good communication between departments when dealing with customer requirements for parts when machines break down, and for machines being sold.

One of the most important parts of any agricultural dealership economically is the parts department.

Parts are used for repair of new and second-hand goods being sold and for supplying customers who need replacement parts for existing machines. So the parts department is very busy and makes a big contribution to turnover and profit.

Keeping costs down is an important part of the parts manager’s role.

Managing the flow of stock is vital, so stock on shelves needs to be turned over as quickly as possible, accounted for and charged out.

Working Conditions

Managers working within a multi-branch business may need to travel to make sure targets and stock control are being managed correctly and meeting agreed target levels.

The parts department is the heart of the dealership business, so working with sales and service management team is an important part of meeting the needs of each departments for spare parts service.

Attending monthly management meetings and carrying out staff appraisals is an important part of the role.

Parts and Stores Managers are responsible for making sure that their teams work with internal customers. 

Next steps

There are two routes for people to enter the industry either through an Apprenticeship or and Industry Apprenticeship with a dealer or manufacturer. 

A Parts or Stores Manager is likely to have progressed from a parts or stores person and have experience within the trade or associated industry or through working in workshops or in Sales.

Having a clean full driving licence will also help. 

Most opportunities will come from working for all sizes of business, but progress to a Sales Manager or Branch Manager may be possible with further training and experience.

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

Land-based Master Technicians are able to work on a wide range of general and specialist vehicles and machines used in farming, forestry, horticulture, ground care, sports facilities including golf courses and parks. 

They can be either self-employed or employed after training with a distributor.

They play an important role in supporting management activity. They also work with Technicians within a business and have a wide range of skills. 

They are also able to mentor internal staff and provide support and feedback to manufactures in terms of updating and development of new and existing machines and equipment. 

Land-based Master Technicians will use a wide range of specialist tools, often including diagnostic equipment and laptop computers.

Working Conditions

Land-based Master technicians normally work a standard full time week, but additional work is often required, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines and seasonal requirements.

They usually work in well-equipped workshops or on site from a service vehicle equipped as a mobile workshop. They will spend time travelling to customers’ premises where it may be necessary to work outside, in all terrains and weather conditions.

A driving licence is essential.

Next steps

Master Technicians enter this career by:

• Studying for a degree in agricultural engineering or related subject, such as environmental, mechanical or automotive engineering.
• Craft or technician level, by following an Apprenticeship or studying towards a relevant qualification, such as a Work-based Diploma
• Joining one of the larger manufacturers that provide specialist apprentice training for those working in their dealer network. These schemes are usually run in partnership with a college.

There are currently more than 3350 businesses in the industry in the UK. Much of the work is based in rural areas but there are also many opportunities in towns and cities, especially for those technicians specialising in ground care machinery. 

Master Technicians are employed by equipment manufacturers and distributors, farmers and contractors. 

There may also be opportunities with sports club, local authorities and specialist companies offering servicing and repair for a range of equipment. 

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

Demonstrators can specialise in products used in agriculture or horticulture, like tractors, combines, forage harvesters, mowers and tenders. Specialist company demonstrators work closely with the sales department in marketing to promote sales and aftercare support.

Customers will often ask for a demonstration to see what the machine is capable of doing before they buy it. The company demonstrators will then be asked to organise a try-out with the customer.

Once the machine gets sold, the demonstrator will often do the handover, making sure all the relevant information is passed over to the operator and customer. 

If machines fail to do the job, the demonstrator maybe asked to visit the business to see what issues are involved and find a solution with the client.

Good communication skills are a really important part of this job.

Demonstrations of machinery to customers include:

• Complex high technology machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers, processors and planters, some of which use the latest technology including global positioning systems (GPS), electronic mapping and guidance systems
• Professional and domestic ground care machinery such as compact tractors, rotary tillers, cultivators, quad bikes, grass collectors, mowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers.

Working Conditions

Company demonstrators promote, sell, install and use new and existing equipment.

They have good machine operational skills and a good understanding of all products such as tractors with attachments, self-propelled machines such as forage harvesters and combines and smaller equipment such as quads and ride-on mowers.  

Demonstrators use their skills to highlight features and benefits of new and or second hand machines which may include attachments depending on what is being sold. 

The role is a very important part of the sales process as a good demonstration can make or break a deal for a new or used machine. 

They will often be working on their own and likely to do a lot of travelling to meet with customers and dealers. 

Next steps

It is important to have a good understanding of agricultural and horticultural equipment gained by working in the industry.

Entry is often through an apprenticeship and progression from a sales person or parts/stores person.

With experience, relevant qualifications and further training, it is possible to progress to a Sales Manager role. 

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

An Arboricultural Consultant usually works within the private sector advising a range of public and private clients on the selection, health and maintenance requirements of trees.  They can be involved, alongside landscape architects, in the preparation of planting schemes for new developments, but will usually be brought in to ensure the safety and health of established trees on a site.

The role can be varied. They will undertake tree inspections and surveys and prepare reports for clients, on individual trees or on all the trees within a site. On the basis of this survey, they will make recommendations about work required to manage the tree.

On development sites, where established trees are endangered by construction work, the arboricultural consultant may be required to specify measures needed to protect trees from damage.

In cases of dispute, or where trees or tree roots have caused damage or injury, arboricultural consultants can be involved in court proceedings as expert witnesses. They also may do reports for mortgages. 

Working Conditions 

Whilst this is largely an office based job, consultants should be fit and may be required to work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.

Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites to inspect trees at different locations; therefore a full driving license may be a requirement of the job.

Arboricultural Consultants typically work a standard full-time week. However, the hours may vary and weekend, evening or Bank Holiday work can be required.

Next steps

Most people starting out in the role of Arboricultural Consultant will work for an established practice or within a local authority where it is possible to build up a client base.

They can then become self employed, establishing their own consultancy company.

Arboriculturists who have completed a level 4 qualification (or above) and worked for a number of years at a managerial level can seek to gain chartered status through the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

Useful links

Arboricultural Association

Chartered Foresters

Confederation of Forest Industries

Forestry Commission Scotland

My world of work

Royal Forestry Society

You will enter this industry as a trainee and work in a dealership to get experience of a wide range of vehicles and machinery used in:  

• Farming businesses
• Forestry businesses
• Horticultural businesses
• Ground care and sports facilities including golf courses and parks.  

As a trainee technician you will play an important role in supporting qualified technicians, workshop and repair activities as well as carrying out basic routine repair work when required. 

Duties include keeping equipment in good working order through planned maintenance, as well as carrying out diagnostic and repair work.

After completing your training and after several years of experience at a dealership you may wish to become self-employed.  It is important to keep updating your skills so you can continue to work on new equipment. 

Service engineers usually work from a van and travel to jobs on farms and other businesses. 

As a Technician you may work on, or support those working on:

• Complex high technology machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers, processors and planters, some of which use the latest technology including global positioning systems (GPS), electronic mapping and guidance systems
• Professional and domestic ground care machinery such as compact tractors, rotary tillers, cultivators, quad bikes, grass collectors, mowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers
• Equipment used in livestock handling and control, including milking systems, mobile handlers and feeding systems
• Machinery used in forestry include tree harvesters, chippers and stump grinders.

Land-based Technicians will use a wide range of hand and specialist tools, often including diagnostic equipment and laptop computers.

Working Conditions

Technicians in the land-based sector usually work 37.5 hours a week. This may include early mornings, evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines and seasonal requirements. 

Service Technicians usually work in well-equipped workshops or on site from service vehicles equipped as mobile workshops.  Technicians will spend time travelling to and from customers’ premises where it may be necessary to work outside, in all terrains and weather conditions. 

Working with agricultural, forestry and horticultural equipment can be hazardous and Service Technicians will need to wear protective clothing, high-visibility vests and in some cases hard hats. For some jobs you may also need safety glasses and welding aprons. 

A clean driving licence and reliable transport is essential. 

Next steps

It is possible to enter land-based engineering as a Trainee Service Technician.

The two routes for entering the industry are through a Modern Apprenticeship or Industry Apprenticeship with a dealer or manufacturer. 

Having a clean full driving licence will also improve employment opportunities.

Experienced Service Technicians may be able to progress to a wider range of specialist roles once they have qualified and completed a Modern Apprenticeship, including:  

• Green crop
• Combine
• Tractor
• Forestry/harvesting or diagnostic technician
• Master technician
• Workshop supervisor
• Service manager
• Sales representative.

There may also be opportunities for self-employment and building a successful business. 

You could also move into training within a college or into sales or managerial positions. 

Useful links

Agricultural Engineers Association

British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA)

Institute of Agricultural Engineers

My world of work

Our parks and green spaces provide many health, life quality and community integration benefits to society. Gardeners grow and maintain plants in a variety of different settings, including public and heritage parks, private and botanical gardens, plant nurseries, sports facilities, roadside verges and open green spaces.

As no two parks or gardens are the same, the work is varied, interesting and provides a wide variety of tasks and opportunities.  It covers all stages in the care and planting of flower beds, trees, shrubs, lawns and managing and maintaining gardens or green spaces. There is also the general maintenance of green areas plus erecting fences and hard landscape tasks, for example, laying paths.

Many Gardeners work in areas open to the public and can be involved in visitor management, events, leading garden walks and contributing to the interpretation and marketing of the site. Gardeners must work to maximise visitor enjoyment by maintaining excellent standards of presentation within the environment.

A Gardener's work involves a variety of jobs including:

• Cutting grass and hedges
• Seasonal maintenance of shrubs and trees
• Digging, planting and weeding flower beds and borders
• Laying mulch (compost, bark or other materials) around plants
• Propagation, plant production and maintenance under glass
• Clearing and planting flower beds
• Pest and disease control and the timely and safe use of pesticides as directed
• Clearing leaves and litter
• Cleaning and maintaining machinery and equipment.

Gardeners will be expected to use a range of tools and mechanical equipment, ranging from hand forks to large vehicle-mounted equipment requiring specialised training.

The work may involve basic building, such as erecting sheds or conservatories or building patios, walls, decking and fencing.

Gardeners involved in ground maintenance may work in small teams to make sure parks and public spaces are regularly maintained. Some Gardeners may also be involved in park safety, carrying out regular checks on children's playgrounds.

Gardeners may specialise in:

• Trees and shrubs (arboriculture)
• Maintaining specialist play surfaces such as cricket and football pitches (Groundsman) and golf courses (Greenkeeper)
• Interior landscaping and looking after plants in office blocks, shopping arcades and other indoor areas
• Restoring old gardens
• Tree-planting schemes
• The regeneration of derelict land.

Many Gardeners are self-employed, working for private individuals and offering services from basic lawn mowing and hedge trimming to full garden design.

Working Conditions

Gardeners usually work around 37 hours a week, varying over the year. In the growing season, they often start very early in the morning and need to be flexible and willing to work extra hours at peak times to keep gardens and parks looking at their best. Overtime, part-time and casual or seasonal work is available.

Gardeners work outdoors in all weathers. Some jobs, such as working in the gardens of a historic house, involve regular contact with the public.

Gardeners may also have to climb ladders, use noisy machinery or apply chemicals and fertilisers to improve soils or kill pests and diseases.

Next steps

In organisations employing teams of Gardeners, such as local authorities or heritage organisations, it may be possible to become a supervisor managing a team of gardeners, overseeing regular maintenance work and planning new planting schemes. Some Gardeners move into different areas of gardening work.

There are many opportunities for Gardeners with relevant experience to diversify into different careers, including outdoor recreation officer, countryside officer, horticultural education officer, forestry worker and landscape designer.  There are also opportunities to specialise in areas of Botanical and Heritage Gardens.  

There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

Useful links

British Association of Landscape Industries

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Greenkeepers Training Committee

Horticulture Jobs

Horticultural Trades Association

Institute of Groundsmanship

Institute of Horticulture

My world of work

Royal Horticultural Society