Animals, Land and Environment

For jobs in this career area it helps to have an interest in

  • animal care
  • the countryside
  • planting and landscaping
  • the environment.

    Naturally, in most cases, prospects depend on where you live, or are prepared to live, as well as on the type of work you do and your qualifications. There isn’t much forestry work in the central belt of Scotland!

    Only about 2% of the Scottish workforce work in the land based and environmental sector. However, it’s an important sector. Many other jobs depend on agriculture, especially in the Highlands and Islands. Forestry is a small but important sector.

    Openings in jobs working with animals, like horses, or dogs, are limited and there are usually more applicants than jobs. It will really help your chances if you do voluntary work with animals and try to get related work experience.

    You can get into some jobs in this career area with few or no qualifications and there are some Modern Apprenticeship opportunities. Other things are more important, like being reliable, prepared to work hard and get up early. Ask any stable hand!

    Work experience is particularly important for many of the jobs in this career area, especially in working with animals and farming.