What is land-based engineering?
Think driverless vehicles, GPS tracking, and robotics are new technology? We were there first.
Some of you will perhaps be familiar with the term landbased and some of you will not. Once the world of landbased engineering is explained to you, you will see it all around you and will be astounded by the huge reach it has.
Land-based engineering is everything to do with the manufacture and maintenance of equipment that is used to work on the land. It can be found in:
The agricultural sector
Leading the way in innovation, design and precision engineering, a land-based, agricultural engineer is involved in the installation, support and maintenance of all equipment that is critical for growing the crops we need and maintaining our countryside.
Extending from robotics and automation to the use of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and methane, you could be working on any type of equipment. From combines to tractors, planting to drilling, from telehandlers to selfpropelled sprayers, this branch of engineering is outdoors and on the land. It is vital for the sustainability of the environment and essential for producing our food.
Domestic and horticultural sector
Providing key support when it comes to the equipment used by the homeowner to maintain their lawns, hedges and gardens, and by the market gardeners and glass-house growers who produce wide ranges of plants, vegetables and fruits.
Fixed plant and equipment sector
This is a diverse sector which gives engineering support to crop storage facilities, crop drying plants, irrigation and power generation, milking equipment and refrigerated storage. Essentially, keeping the agriculture industry continually running at the required pace.
Professional turf and outdoor power equipment sector
The machinery and equipment being used to create and maintain championship golf courses, premier league football and rugby pitches, test match grounds as well as parks, estates and amenity areas located both within our inner cities and the depths of the countryside.
Arboriculture and forestry sector
In this sector, equipment and technology is used in the care and maintenance of trees. On a commercial basis, equipment is used in the harvesting, processing and extraction of timber from the country’s forests. Wearelandbased.engineering
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN AN INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE CAREER?
Start driving your educational future today.
Choosing land-based engineering will open up a vibrant and rewarding career with a world of opportunities for any student.
If you have a love for engineering, technology, the environment and science - then expanding your knowledge in areas like diagnostics and fault-finding, open-source technology, robotics, engines and alternative fuel sources, is on offer for you.
There are several routes into land-based engineering:
• Full Time Education (subject to location)
• Apprenticeships
• Degrees
Full Time Education
• T-levels or A-level equivalents. T-levels in Land-based Engineering launched in September 2023 and are a nationally recognised qualification for 16-19 year-olds that take 2 years to complete. (England Only).
• National Certificates (NC) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Land-based Engineering (Scotland Only)
• Diploma’s in Land-based Engineering (Wales and Northern Ireland)
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a way to get right to the heart of your training for a vocation. And are ideal for those who value earning a wage whilst developing their knowledge, skills and know-how. Working 20% of your time in the classroom and 80% in a work based placement you will learn:
• Operating principles of machinery, plant and equipment within the land-based engineering sector.
• Underpinning service, maintenance and repair principles.
• Accessing & interpreting technical date
And so much more!
For more information head over to the website Wearelandbased.engineering
DEGREES
Employers needs engineers. Universities like Harper Adams University pride themselves on their graduates being industry ready the first day on the job. The engineering degrees studied equip graduates with the skills, knowledge and experience the land-based industry needs. With project-focused curriculums and a placement year, you can change your horizons and achieve more than you ever thought possible.
A degree course in land-based engineering requires motivation and drive, you’ll need to be a self-believer and have confidence. You will learn to work in teams or independently and you’ll get a huge amount of help and guidance along the way from professional engineers with expertise in many areas.
Full details of the degrees and their entry requirements, along with modules studied each year are on the website Wearelandbased.engineering
WHere can you study?
Opportunities that open up the world of land-based engineering are closer than you think.
Choosing to study land-based engineering either through an apprenticeship or at degree level is about taking control of your future. Draw on your passion to build a varied, inspiring career.
The map and pins are for representational purposes only, for a full list of where to study, visit www.wearelandbased.engineering
Scan to find and up to date list of Universities, Colleges or Academies where you could study
Land-based Engineering Educational Pathways in England
GCSEs
(working towards)
Grade 4-9 in Maths, English and Science +2 more
GCSEs
Grade 1-3 in Maths, English *
A – Levels Y1 T – Levels Y1**
Apprenticeship
L2 - Y1
L2 - Y2 A – Levels Y2 T – Levels Y2**
Apprenticeship
Optional Progression
Fast track L3 App** - 1Y min
Optional Progression
Apprenticeship
L3 - Y1
Land-based University Degree Y3 + 1
Professional registration available
EMPLOYMENT
*discretionary to employer
** Land-based Engineering specialism
Apprenticeship
L3 - Y2
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What could You do as a job?
The choice is yours.
Beginning your career with an Apprenticeship, technical qualification or a degree is just the start.The skills and experience learnt studying land-based engineering can lead to a wide variety of roles where your job is never the same from one day to the next.
Working with anything from chainsaws to combines, telehandlers to tractors and engines, through to precision engineering, robotics and automation – you could work as a Service Engineer, Master Technician, Product Specialist, Training Manager, Technical Support Advisor or even a Machinery Demonstrator. There is a world of innovation and opportunity that awaits you!
