Environmental, food chain and rural sector The environmental, food chain and rural sector uses about 77% of the UK’s total landmass (18.4 million hectares) and employs over a million people. Of the million-plus people employed in this sector, the majority work in 17 main industries. These industries, and the percentage of people working in them, are listed in the table below: Almost 90% of all businesses in the land-based and environmental sector employ less than ten people. This means that large intakes for traditional graduate management positions are rare. Most of the smaller businesses are interested in graduates who can 'hit the ground running', without a structured training scheme. Self-employment is a key feature of the environmental, food chain and rural sector. Approximately 80% of the total workforce are proprietors and 20% are employees. At the time of writing (April 2006), the workforce is almost 70% male. However, this varies within the different areas of the sector. For example, 75-80% of employees in the equine and floristry industries are female. A service-orientated sector? Like many other sectors in the UK, the land-based sector is becoming more service oriented. There has been major growth in the use of land for leisure and tourism as opposed to purely production-based purposes. This is particularly evident in the growth of the horticultural, landscaping, equine and environmental sectors. For graduates, this means that many higher-level jobs are located on the ‘agri-business’ side, as opposed to direct production. Areas of employment
Agriculture and science The total number of businesses directly involved in agricultural crops and livestock production is predicted to drop to around 220,000 businesses (Sector Skills Agreement, Lantra, 2005). Despite this, production-oriented job opportunities at graduate level are predicted to continue being advertised. Examples of graduate-level job vacancies in agriculture and science include:
If you are interested in a less production-oriented role, then you could consider agricultural-related services and businesses and there are many varied and inter-linked sectors from which to choose. Below is a list of possible production and related service roles to help get you started:
For graduates interested in research, there are a range of research-focused organisations. They are usually involved in:
Some graduates in land-based disciplines consider teaching or lecturing. There are general and specialist land-based Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs) available. Animal-related
This figure does not include those employed in science, research, animal health, animal feed and livestock. These individual sectors can be very large in their own right. For example, there are 42 member companies listed with the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and collectively the total UK animal health market is worth over £420million per annum. The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) lists 50 member companies, presenting around 95% of the British pet food market. The total market for cat and dog food alone is currently worth over £1.6billion per annum. It is estimated that over 50,000 people are working in the equine sector. Around 87% of equine businesses are based in England, and the total horse industry's gross output is worth over £3.4billion per annum. Many jobs are of a practical nature, with the bulk of graduate jobs in ancillary equine-dependent industries and services, such as professional organisations, equestrian equipment suppliers, bloodstock agents, horse racing, transporters, insurance, feed, health products, research and journalism. The animal insurance industry has grown over the past 20 years. Graduates can find openings with brokers and insurance companies, which can lead to further career opportunities in the wider insurance market. An increased need in the equine sector is predicted for graduates with business management skills, health and safety awareness, and knowledge of business law. Environmental conservation and rural management There are currently 56,000 people working for around 5,000 businesses, with a large proportion based in the South West of England. Around 200,000 volunteers also work in this sector, mainly for personal reasons or for gaining work experience. Employment can be found not only with small businesses but also with larger trusts and public bodies. Some of the most commonly advertised roles are:
Fresh produce, nurseries and garden centres There has been real growth in fresh produce over the past few years. The retail fruit and vegetable market is only one part of the total fresh produce sector. This market alone was worth over £8.5billion in 2005 and is expected to increase to £9.8billion by 2010. A range of factors, including year-round product availability, interest in organic and pre-packed produce, health issues and the popularity of TV cookery programmes, are supporting the market's development. Fruit consumption has proved increasingly popular, with the net effect that the fresh fruit and vegetable market is forecast to make steady growth. The overall effect of these changes is that fresh produce is a strong area both in terms of job supply and salary levels. The garden centre and nursery sector has also seen recent growth. The total UK market for gardening products was worth £5.18billion per annum in 2005, and is predicted to fall slightly to £5.14billion by 2010. Visiting garden centres and nurseries is now considered a leisure activity in its own right, with more estimated visitors than properties of The National Trust. This means that the garden centre and nursery sector is expanding and has a steady supply of jobs for graduates. Gardens, landscape and design Gardens remain popular with members of the public. The top five botanic gardens alone generate over three million visitors per annum. The landscape industries contribute £3billion to the UK's GDP, and nearly 140,000 people are employed in this sector (The Environmental and Land-based Sector Skills Agreement, Lantra, 2005). The amenity horticulture sector includes jobs in local government parks departments such as:
Some graduates pursue careers with botanic gardens or choose to work in horticultural therapy. Although not a traditional graduate job, some graduates pursue an interest in gardening and restoration at stately homes and private houses, for example with The National Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage and Historic Scotland. The increased concern for environmental issues in land use and construction, interest in careers in landscape and design continues to grow. Self-employment is quite common, although there are some jobs in local government, landscape practices and private design and build operations, making recruitment |
