Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Scheme

Are you 16 to 21 years old and seeking employment opportunities in Scotland’s land-based sector? If so, the land-based pre-apprenticeship scheme could be for you. The scheme has recently been expanded to take on 400 participants across the catchment of Ringlink Scotland, Tarff Valley and Borders Machinery Ring. No qualifications are required, and applicants can come from agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds. Ringlink Scotland runs two cohorts per year in January and June, but other providers may vary.  

Attendees are awarded a SCQF4 certificate of work readiness following a residential induction at a SRUC or Borders College campus featuring:  

• Training on health and safety.  

• Emergency first aid. 

• Manual handling. 

• Crop and livestock production. 

• Tractor driving and other agricultural vehicles such as telescopic forklift and ATVs.  

Participants then commence a 26-week full time (40 hour) work placement on a mentor farm in the local area. Candidates can suggest a mentor or be paired up using the delivery partner contacts. During this work placement participants are paid at Scottish Agricultural Wage Board rates and can receive a further £1,500 worth of training depending on individual needs. At the end of the programme a SCQF4 certificate of completion is awarded and around 50% of participants continue to a modern apprenticeship with their mentor, while the remainder enter full-time employment, attend college or sign up to the machinery ring for further experience. 

Further information and application forms can be found on the Borders Machinery Ring, Ringlink Scotland or Tarff Valley websites. 

For inspiration you can watch our videos featuring two modern apprentices and one of their employers at https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/new-entrants/inspirational-stories/