Agriculture, environmental, and animal care

Are you interested in saving the planet? Maybe you want to design gardens, manage a golf course, or work with animals? An apprenticeship in this industry is all about working with animals and the outdoor world.

What is an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship in the sector is a practical, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.

You could be working with zoo animals, creating wedding bouquets, or managing a farm, to name a few examples.

Career opportunities

An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:

Kieran is an agriculture apprentice with East Lothian Council in Scotland.
£25,2981
The average salary for jobs across this sector
UCAS, correct as of November 2022
Half a million
The number of people currently employed by around 150,000 UK agriculture businesses
Youth Employment UK

Jade Allen, environment apprentice at National Trust

Don’t be shy about showing an employer how passionate you are. This is a sector where everyone genuinely cares about the work they’re doing so you’ll shine if you can show them that you care as much as them.

Kieran Turnbull, parks and green spaces apprentice at East Lothian Council

Everyone is so willing to teach me on my apprenticeship. I’m using dangerous machines every day working in forestry and for them to trust apprentices straight away is a massive sign of respect.
Pros
  • Roles are hands-on and based outdoors in many cases.
  • You can make a real difference to the planet.
  • Every day is different.
Cons
  • The work can be physically demanding.
  • You’ll have to work in all weathers in some roles.
  • You may need to work weekends and evenings.

Who would suit an an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship?

You might be interested in an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship if you:

  • like the idea of working outside
  • are passionate about animals, the environment, and sustainability
  • want to make a difference to the world around you
  • like the idea of every day being different

You might be a good fit for an agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeship if you:

  • are caring and kind
  • are hands-on and outdoorsy
  • are adaptable to ever-changing situations
  • can work well with other people
  • can keep calm in stressful situations

Take the career quiz

Not sure if an apprenticeship in agriculture, environmental, or animal care is for you? Take our career quiz to find out your options.

Find your ideal match

FAQs about agriculture, environmental, and animal care apprenticeships

Caroline Noon, apprenticeship manager at the National Trust

When we’re recruiting our apprentices, we’re not looking for people with lots of experience or prior knowledge… what we’re really looking for is a huge amount of enthusiasm for what we do. A willingness to learn the skills we need for the role is key.

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