Find your future in farming

D&A College continues to build strong links with local employers to give students insights into the world of work.

This week, Catriona McLean, from SoilEssentials near Brechin, will be talking to the Secondary Schools’ Modern Agriculture course students on everything from clarty boots and soil sampling to flying drones and, perhaps, how to keep donkeys!

Catriona started working at SoilEssentials more than seven years ago as a soil sampler and is now running the agronomy department. (Farming fact: Agronomy is the science of farming, including the study of soil, plants and animals, and ways to improve the production of food on farms.)

Catriona says, “I will be telling the students all about our company, my role and a bit about what our department does. I’ll also discuss what I look for when employing new staff.”

The online talk on Friday is one of a series organised by Landbased lecturer Peter Beattie that introduces students to local agriculture businesses and the routes to work in the sector.

Peter says, “There are vast and varied rural job opportunities within reach of our Secondary School students from Angus and the Mearns. The Level 5 Modern Agriculture course leads on to a full-time Level 5 Agricultural Skills course and from there, students can find work and apprenticeship opportunities in the area or go on to further practical study with Scottish Rural College at a number of campuses.”

SoilEssentials is at the forefront of precision farming and agritech and one of the UK’s most dynamic, award-winning companies.

Find out more about D&A College’s 2021 Landbased courses, by contacting Peter at p.beattie@dundeeandangus.ac.uk