​If you’d told me a few months ago that I’d be talking about farms, surveying, infrastructure and wellies on a daily basis, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Coming from years in hospitality and armed with a politics degree, the rural sector wasn’t something I’d ever pictured myself working in, but now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Joining the Rural Professionals team at MorePeople was a leap into something completely new and it’s been both exciting and rewarding. While I didn’t grow up on a farm or study agriculture, I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a genuine interest in people and the industries that shape our communities. From day one, I’ve thrown myself into learning as much as I can about rural life, the people behind it, and the careers that keep it thriving.

The biggest takeaway? Rural careers aren’t all wellies and fields and farms. It encompasses infrastructure, sustainability, forestry, estates, and more than you could imagine. There’s so much room for innovation, and firms are looking for people to bring energy, new ideas and a different perspective.

That’s why Route to Rural matters.

Ran by the CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers), Route to Rural is a campaign designed to spotlight the rural industry and show that there’s more than one way in. You don’t need to be from a farming family. Agriculture has become so widely accessible, but people are still unaware of what opportunities lie in front of them. Employers are starting to value broader skill sets and are actively supporting candidates from non-traditional backgrounds.

The CAAV is a specialist body representing professionals across the agricultural and rural space. Entry requires an examination to assess their understanding of rural surveying. Traditionally, becoming a Rural Surveyor and Valuer meant having a RICS-accredited degree, which has, in the past, limited who could apply. But that’s changing. Companies are now offering apprenticeships, giving candidates the chance to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience from day one. And if you don’t have a surveying-related degree, you can still pursue the career through a RICS-accredited postgraduate course.

Where do I come in?

For us as recruiters, Route to Rural Week is a chance to amplify that message. We’re here to connect the dots; whether that’s helping candidates who don’t see themselves as “rural” discover roles they’d thrive in or supporting those moving from traditional surveying into infrastructure or renewable energy. There’s so much potential in the rural world. Surveying is just the tip of the iceberg.

It’s also about encouraging employers to think differently. The CAAV is calling on companies to offer work experience, tap into local networks like Young Farmers clubs, and consider career changers with transferable skills. That person with a geography degree, or the guy with project management experience, could be exactly who a rural firm needs.

Route to Rural isn’t just a campaign; it’s showcasing a mindset shift in the rural world. Even Clarkson’s Farm is playing a part. From what started as entertainment has turned into a genuine career shake-up. Applications to rural land management courses at the Royal Agricultural University are up by 11%, public interest is growing, and now we all know who Cheerful Charlie is! It’s proof that visibility matters. Rural careers are now finally getting the airtime they deserve.

Rural careers are changing, and so is the way people enter the sector. From apprenticeships to fast-track schemes, or politics degrees and hospitality backgrounds, there’s no single route anymore. The CAAV’s Route to Rural Week is helping drive that shift, and I’m proud to be part of the conversation.

If you’re curious about rural surveying, land management or just want to know where your skills might fit, let’s talk. You don’t need to own a pair of wellies (yet). You just need to be open to the possibilities.

We’ve got some brilliant roles live right now! You’re just a phone call away from unlocking a brand-new career. If you’re interested in how you could start your own “Route to Rural”, reach out. Wellies optional!

Contact meOur vacancies