There are many fantastic programmes and projects taking place across Scotland to support land-based and rural skills development:
Dairy Skills Initiative - The Dairy Skills Initiative is a partnership involving SRUC, NFUS, Lantra, Dumfries & Galloway Employment TAP and Skills Development Scotland offering school leavers in Dumfries & Galloway with no previous farm experience 12-week placements on local dairy farms.
Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) - FONE is the Scottish Government’s programme to identify proposals to maximise starter farming opportunities, matching appropriate candidates with available opportunities. The Farm Advisory Service website also has links to useful free resources to support the programme.
Fife Rural Skills Partnership - Fife Rural Skills Partnership is a group of over 15 local organisations helping to develop a skilled workforce to care, manage and make sustainable use of Fife’s woodland, farmland and rural landscape. Their Our Bright Future programme offers three levels of activity for young people, including completing a Modern Apprenticeship in rural skills or trees and timber.
Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust (HPCLT) - HPCLT is made-up of seven partner organisations, working together to connect woodland across Highland Perthshire. Their Rural Skills Training Course works with local contractor and trainers to offer a mix of work experience and certified training for 16-25 year olds.
JobFarm - The JobFarm project, initiated in 2018 by RHASS, is tasked with collating information, promoting job roles and offering a unique link for work experience opportunities in land-based industries.
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) - The SCF run a variety of courses which are aimed at people interested in developing knowledge and practical skills in crofting, both for new entrants and to support existing crofters in best practice and improving performance.
Trees for Life - the core purpose of Tress for Life is to restore the Caledonian forest - their ‘Skills for Rewilding’ programme offers fully-funded training opportunities, taking on five trainees per year. Trainees learn skills including nursery and horticultural skills, landscape and deer management, ecological monitoring and engaging rural communities in conservation work.
The Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards (FOLA) - accredited to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 2-6 and 8 and available for learners and practitioners, the FOLA have the benefit of learners gaining practical knowledge of being, working and leading the forest and outdoors, as well as providing pathways into employment or education. FOLA are currently available through Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith.
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) - OATS is an innovative environmental charity working to promote sustainable access across Scotland. The Trust is an SQA Approved Centre and provides work-based training leading to an SVQ in Environmental Conservation SCQF Level 5 as part of their five year project, The Mountains & The People.
Let us know if you're involved in a project that develops land-based skills and you'd like it added to our website.