Agriculture, food and drink

• The agriculture, food and drink sector has over 30 different industries. In Norfolk, we have lots of opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, meat processing, vegetables and prepared meals but there are also roles in bakery, dairy, confectionery, drinks and more.
• What kind of roles? Food technologist, marketing professional, quality technician, design engineer, farmer, microbial scientist, production planner, environmental technologist or butcher to name but a few.
• This sector is becoming increasingly hi-tech - automation and AI (artificial intelligence) are changing the way we produce our food and drink. There will be thousands of exciting opportunities in agritech for young people with the right skills.
• The challenges of food security, sustainability and climate change means  that problem-solvers -such as scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians - are in high demand.
• World-leading organisations based at the Norwich Research Centre are looking closely at the biology of plants and crops. Watch this video to find out more about what goes on there.
• Easton College near Norwich is a specialist college for further and higher education and training in land-based industries including agriculture, horticulture and animal management.

• Maths
• Problem solving
• Advanced digital & ICT
• Communication
• Leadership & management
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Business knowledge
• Presentation skills
• Analytical skills

• Chemistry
• Business studies
• Computer science
• Maths
• English
• Religious studies
• Physics
• Biology
• Design & technology
• Sociology
• Languages
• English

• Kettle Foods
• Bernard Matthews
• British Sugar
• Cranswick
• Kinnerton
• Penguin Foods/Greenyard
• Quadram Institute
• Pasta Foods
• Hain Daniels
• John Innes Centre
• Quorn Foods

Food productive operative                    £16,000-£27,500

Agritech technician                               £18,000-£35,000+

Farmer                                                  £22,400-£50,000

Environmental consultant                     £25,000-£45,000+

Agronomist                                           £25,000-£50,450

Quality assurance professional            £26,350-£61,650

Production engineer                             £26,000-£51,500

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good GCSE grades in maths and English will help you to get into this sector. Science and technology subjects can help to keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels – a wide range of subjects could help you get into this sector but for higher education STEM courses or apprenticeships chemistry, biology, maths or computer science may be looked for.

Apprenticeship There’s a wide range of manufacturing and engineering-related apprenticeships which can lead to work or further study. Entry requirements vary so check before you apply. These are just a few:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Food and drink process operator
• Butcher
• Land-based service engineer
• Farm worker

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Food and drink maintenance engineer
• Food technologist
• Crop technician

T level and vocational qualifications  A T level in science or engineering (available from September 2022) can prepare you for work in a range of careers in this sector or further study or training. Courses(for example a BTEC) in a land-based subject, engineering, manufacturing or business could also be a route in; Easton College is a specialist college offering land-based courses.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree

There are many options for degree level qualifications depending on the area you want to go into. For example, you could choose a science, engineering, technology, or business-related subject.

Apprenticeship - Apprenticeships are available for different career areas in this sector - competition can be high for some positions.

Examples include:

• Hygiene specialist (level 4)
• Automation engineering technician (level 4)
• Food and drink engineer (level 5)
• Marketing manager (level 6)
• Agriculture or horticulture professional adviser (level 6)
• Packaging professional (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Food industry technical professional (level 6 degree apprenticeship)
• Environmental practitioner (level 6)

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work can improve your chances of finding a job in this sector; being able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject will also help when applying for an apprenticeship or degree course.