7th November 2023

This is the second in our series of articles which focus on sectors that need your skills.  Did you know Swindon & Wiltshire is a huge farming hub? Check out these numbers from the LSIPS report: 

•    272,504 hectares of farmland with 2,329 individual farms.
•    118 of these farms are within the area of Swindon Borough Council!
•    Agriculture businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire were nearly double that of England at 7%, versus 4%.
•    4,251 people work in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing in Wiltshire.
So, where do you come in? Well, the sector needs people with specific skills, and some careers will be in particular demand:

Equipment Support:
This area mainly deals with maintaining and operating all the farm machinery. We're talking about roles like agricultural mechanics, the engineers who improve equipment designs, and the irrigation experts ensuring our crops get watered right.

Supply Livestock:
These jobs involve the life and business of farm animals. It covers the hands-on crew looking after herds, breeders figuring out the best animal matches, auctioneers, diet experts, and vets, plus specialists managing dairy and poultry operations.

Crop Production:
Here, it's all about growing and managing crops. The team includes field managers, soil and crop advisers who experiment with new farm methods, and consultants who offer farmers strategy advice. It also includes specialists, such as greenhouse managers and pest managers, who ensure optimal growing conditions and crop protection

Advanced Commercial Agri-Tech (Robotics and Autonomy)
Advanced Commercial Agri-Tech encompasses cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance large-scale farming. These include precision agriculture using GPS and sensors, automated machinery, genetically modified crops, vertical and soil-less farming methods, AI-driven analytics, transparent food tracking via blockchain, and sustainable practices. The goal is to boost efficiency, sustainability, and meet the escalating food demands of the global population.

Smart Farm Management (combining Technology and Efficiency)
Smart Farm Management integrates advanced technologies with traditional farming to optimise operations and enhance sustainability. This approach leverages precision agriculture, IoT sensors, automated equipment, AI-driven analytics, and blockchain for food traceability. The goal is to streamline farm processes, reduce resource consumption, and maximise yields, enabling farmers to achieve greater productivity and environmental responsibility simultaneously.

Net Zero theme, focusing on Decarbonising Farm Infrastructure.
The "Net Zero" theme in agriculture aims for a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and those removed, targeting net-zero carbon emissions. Focusing on "Decarbonising Farm Infrastructure," this approach emphasises integrating renewable energy, constructing energy-efficient farm buildings, transitioning to electric machinery, promoting carbon sequestration methods, optimising waste management, and implementing water conservation strategies.

If you fancy the sound of these careers, you can find out more about them via eCLIPS and check out the current courses available in your local college.
Studying, especially after high school, helps farmers adapt to new rules, tech innovations, and nature stuff, so it’s recommended even for those who grew up on farms.

CURRENT COURSES

Wiltshire College: 

The Lackham Campus offers students a unique agricultural education experience within its 1,000-acre Wiltshire setting. The estate features two active farms and advanced engineering workshops. Following a £9 million investment, the institution has added a cutting-edge AgriTech building. Positioned right at the heart of the campus, the building hosts state-of-the-art tech and science teaching facilities, and a media display wall with a live feed of data, statistics and visuals from the new Robotic Dairy at Home Farm.

Lackham's students benefit from ties with major farming enterprises and internships on diverse farms in the South West, in addition to showcasing livestock at events such as the Bath and West Show.
•    Pathway, Level 1,2 and 3 BTECs in Land-based tudy, Countryside and Environment, Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering, Farm Mechanisation, Land-based engineering and Animal Management
•    HNC: Agriculture
•    HND: Animal Management, Dairy Engineering, 
•    Foundation Degree: Agriculture
•    Plus apprenticeship courses Level 1 - 4

Swindon College:

•    Level 1: Land-based animal care
•    BTEC Level 2: Animal Management
•    T Level: Animal Management
•    HND: Animal Management

Bath College: 

•    Level 1,2, and 3 Land-based studies and Animal Care
•    Foundation Diploma Animal Care

Cirencester 6th Form College


•    T Levels : Agriculture, Land Management & Horticulture, Animal management
•    Level 2 Certificate: Animal Management

Royal Agricultural College: Cirencester

•    Wide range of courses including Agriculture Business Management, Land Management, Countryside Management.

Hartpury: Gloucestershire

•    Wide range of courses including Agriculture with Crop Science, Agriculture with Livestock Science

Apprenticeships

Post 16 apprenticeships are available in General Farm Worker, Stockperson and Agricultural Technician, but do register with Find an Apprenticeship and create alerts.
If you’re wondering what the future will look like for getting a job, Skills Bootcamps are planned to build on your knowledge post-college and there are plans to kickstart a program with 50 companies to offer even more apprenticeships, especially in the farming and forestry areas. Great opportunities ahead!

Not in Wiltshire?

Although Wiltshire has identified a skills shortage in this area, farming across the land will be demanding these skills in the future, so take a look at eCLIPS and check out college and university courses in your area!