Land-based Mechanic

Land-based mechanics maintain, repair and test a wide range of equipment and machinery for the agricultural, horticultural, landscape and forestry industries. They work with large items such as tractors and harvesters and also smaller items such as lawnmowers and hedgetrimmers.

They can also be called land-based service technicians or agricultural technicians.

The Work

You could be:

• checking the item of equipment to find out what is wrong with it


• using computerised testing equipment


• discussing the work needed with the owner or operator


• repairing the fault, for example by welding or replacing parts, adjusting or cleaning components or making a new part


• testing the item to make sure it is working properly


• carrying out regular maintenance checks on machinery and equipment


• attending emergency call-outs to repair items which are needed urgently


• keeping records of work on a database.

Conditions

• Land-based mechanics operate from a workshop base, but spend much of their time outdoors.


• You would have to work in all weathers and sometimes in dirty or dangerous conditions.


• Working hours can vary. Certain times of year such as harvests can be busy, with early starts and evening and weekend work.


• You may have to travel, possibly around the UK, to visit dealers or clients.


• You would have to wear overalls, and other protective items such as goggles and safety boots.

Getting In

• You could do a Modern Apprenticeship. Employers’ requirements vary, but you normally need 3-4 Standard grades including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.


• As an alternative, you could start by doing a full time National Certificate (NC) course in agricultural, horticultural or land-based engineering. College requirements vary, from no formal entry requirements to 3 Standard grades including English, Maths and a science subject. Some colleges may also require practical farm or horticultural experience.
• The British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) can give information on approved training centres.


• You should be physically fit.
• Certain colour vision conditions may affect entry to careers in this branch of engineering.


• You need a driving licence, possibly one including driving heavy vehicles on public roads.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• interested in agriculture or horticulture and machinery


• patient and persistent when looking for faults


• able to find faults and make quick repairs
  
• able to understand technical manuals


• able to use your initiative as you may have to work alone in remote areas


• able to communicate clearly to discuss faults and repairs
• aware of strict health and safety rules.


• aware of business pressures for clients


• willing to keep up to date with new technology.

Training

• If you do a Modern Apprenticeship, a combination of on the job and off the job training would lead to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Land-based Service Engineering at Levels 2 and 3.


• If you do a course at college first, you would then take a job with an employer and continue with further training to the required standard.


• You need to keep up to date with changing technology.

Getting On

• Some mechanics specialise in working with a particular type of machinery.


• You could be promoted to be a supervisor or manager after suitable experience.


• You could move into sales and marketing.
• You could become self-employed.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

• Career prospects in this work are generally good as interest in gardening, horticulture and sport increases and the sector becomes more mechanised.


• The UK land-based engineering industry employs around 28,000 people.


• There are between 2,000 and 3,000 independent mechanics in the UK (LANTRA website, 2010).


• In the last decade between 10,000 and 18,000 new agricultural tractors have been registered each year.
• Over 6,000 companies in the UK sell and service this equipment (The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) website, 2010).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.