At some point in all Gamekeepers training they will have volunteered on Keepered estates. Getting involved with the day to day tasks a gamekeeper has to undertake is invaluable experience.

This may include beating, helping on the rearing field, habitat management or helping with vermin control. You should try to approach a local gamekeeper to get the experience you need to become a Gamekeeper.

Try to gain relevant experiences in the type of game keeping you are interested in, whether it be upland or lowland shoot management

Gamekeepers have to be multi-talented and find skills learnt in other industries will help their gamekeeping

Many college courses highlight the need for versatility by combining with fishery or deer management.

They may also include aspects of mechanical engineering, agricuiture. carpentry, forestry, livestock rearing and conservation and ecology.

In addition to getting experience in the more practical tasks it is becoming increasingly important for gamekeepers to have some knowledge of accounts, basic business management and computers

In order to go far in game keeping it is wise never to close doors. Give yourself the best start, although there are always other routes into gamekeeping. Colleges and employers will nearly always take into account a candidates academic background as well as their practical experience.

This means that students with a sound knowledge in subjects that will assist their gamekeeping career may be favoured over others. This may include good english, maths, science, CDT, woodwork, metalwork, mechanics, geography, environmental or rural studies and business studies amongst others.

Take advantage of work experience schemes to spend two weeks on an estate working with gamekeepers and getting to know the job first-hand.

There are a range of college courses and these include both diplomas, National Diplomas and NVQ courses. You need to look for one that will suit you. Do you want to do lots of practical or would you prefer a more acedemic route before a HND or degree course?

Click here for a sample list of colleges providing courses

Ask a career advisor for details of colleges or keep your eyes open at game fairs as the colleges are often present.

A HND or degree is not essential but could be desirable with employers, Again ask your career advisors for details of courses in Game, Wildlife or Countryside management.

More qualifications and game keeping experience could lead to lecturing, consultancy and research positions.

On the Job NVQ's

Modern Apprenticeships