After a successful pilot scheme, a land-based pre-apprenticeship programme for agriculture is now being offered across Scotland by machinery rings, with support from Borders College, SRUC, Lantra, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland.
Borders Machinery Ring, Tarff Valley, Ringlink and the two colleges are providing those who take part with valuable technical skills, and the trainees will work with farming business mentors to get practical experience while achieving a Preparation for Employment Award during their 26-week, paid work placement.
According to machinery rings involved in the programme, they welcome pre-apprentices from a range of agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds who have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn from experienced college staff, training instructors and host employers.
50% of the pre-apprentices who have completed the programme have progressed onto Modern Apprenticeships, with the rest moving onto full-time places at college or work.
Our podcast features some of the partners involved.
Applications are open now so find out more from Borders Machinery Ring, Tarff Valley or Ringlink.
