You will hear a recruitment consultant talking about careers in agriculture and horticulture.
First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 14.
Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 14.
Good morning everyone, I'm Megan Baker and I work as a recruitment consultant for AVT Recruitment Specialists.
Our agency concentrates on jobs in agriculture and horticulture.
That includes areas such as producing fresh food and maintaining gardens and public parks.
These fields can offer some distinctive career benefits.
To begin with, many roles suit people who don't want a rigid 40-hour schedule and need to arrange work around commitments, such as looking after children.
That flexibility matters to a large number of candidates.
Some enjoy the possibility of working in the countryside among plants and trees rather than buildings.
Although this isn't something every post can offer, there can also be clear health advantages, particularly when the work keeps you moving instead of sitting in front of a computer all day.
Pay is attractive in certain roles, but it varies considerably.
Some positions may also involve travelling abroad, depending on the job, though that doesn't appeal to everybody.
Naturally, outdoor employment brings a few difficulties.
Summer can be pleasant, but cold, windy weather may make the work extremely uncomfortable.
Certain jobs require reasonable fitness, although machinery has reduced that demand compared with the past.
Workplace accidents have actually declined because health and safety standards are now much stricter.
However, many posts are based in remote, quiet places, so they won't suit anyone who prefers the activity and company of a city.
People sometimes worry about obtaining suitable housing too, but we generally find that this problem is resolved.
Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 15 to 20.
Now listen and answer questions 15 to 20.
I'll now describe several interesting vacancies that are currently available through our agency.
The first is for a fresh food commercial manager with a major producer that supplies several leading supermarkets.
The business moves very quickly and operates on narrow profit margins.
Employees work intensively, but they also enjoy themselves together, so the position would suit somebody sociable.
Another opening is for an agronomist who will advise farmers about crop nutrition, pest control and recent legislation affecting agricultural practice.
A candidate with the right qualities could progress rapidly within the organisation.
Applicants must, however, already have extensive knowledge of the farming sector.
A large supermarket also needs a fresh produce buyer for a 12-month contract covering maternity leave.
The successful applicant must have experience of administration, planning and purchasing fresh produce.
In return, the salary is highly competitive.
We have also been asked to find a sales manager for a group of garden centres.
The manager will travel to different centres across the region to check that excellent customer service is being maintained.
The role is only appropriate for somebody willing to live locally.
There is a further vacancy for a tree technician involving tree cutting, forestry and conservation duties.
Candidates need a clean driving licence and safety training.
A year's practical experience is preferred, although the employer may consider somebody who has only recently finished a suitable training programme.
Finally, a farm worker is required for varied duties, including sowing and harvesting crops, maintaining machinery and caring for animals.
One benefit is the possibility of renting a small cottage on the estate, as well as receiving a competitive salary.
A driving licence and experience of operating a tractor are both essential.
That is the end of part two.
You now have one minute to check your answer.
