Moving into a pest control career

Why move into pest control?

The pest control sector offers an incredible variety of opportunities not just to those starting their careers, but also to those looking to broaden their horizons and grow their prospects in a new field.

And don’t worry, you’re in good company. It’s very common for long-time pest control professionals to have started in a different role and to then discover their niche with experience and transferrable skills under their belts.

Regardless of the direction your pest control career journey takes you – whether it’s as a technician, a biologist or managing wildlife – employers in the sector are actively looking to help you upskill. With on-the-job training and qualifications included for new starters in many roles, you will learn as you earn and use that knowledge to grow your career or prepare to start your own business.

What skills and experience do you need?

The breadth of roles available in pest control means that whatever your skills, experience or seniority, you are likely to find your fit in the sector.

However, if you want to make yourself attractive as a career changer, the number one skill you can demonstrate is that you are a self-starter. Many roles, particularly the ones that are on the ground and customer-facing, will require you to manage your own workload and demonstrate sound judgement in real-world situations.

Specific roles will have their own training, usually provided by your new employer or readily available from RSPH qualification centres.

Learn more about pest control qualifications

The NPTA and the Armed Forces Covenant

The NPTA is a member of the armed forces covenant, meaning that it has made a formal commitment to supporting the career progression of armed forces leavers and providing training, pathways and resources to help them take their next steps.

Why move from the armed forces to pest control?

There is more in common than you might think between pest control and the armed forces.

On a day-to-day level, both professions highly value staff who demonstrate an aptitude for problem solving – especially when it comes to facing real-world situations that require sound judgement in the moment.

The pest control sector also appreciates the mindset instilled by the armed forces, particularly with regard to considering regulations and best practice. This will be invaluable when working with safety procedures and chemical substances.

But most importantly, the armed forces and pest control share a common trait: working to protect the people in their communities.

Under 25s

Like many industries, pest control is looking for ambitious and talented young people to become future successes in the sector. The profession offers young people an opportunity to demonstrate problem solving skills, connect with a wide variety of people and businesses, and see their hard work recognised through career development.

To show its dedication to growing young talent, the NPTA has established the 5<25 scheme, which provides fully funded pest control training to a young cohort.

Find out more about the 5<25 scheme

Return to the careers hub