Pre-Apprenticeship Programme
Applications now open for June 2025, closing date 31 March 2025
Overview
The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is an ideal pathway for progression within the wider rural sector (including farming, horticulture, food production, forestry, game and wildlife, land-based engineering, conservation and landscaping) allowing new entrants to earn and learn in the workplace whilst also gaining a vocational qualification (SCQF4). Accredited by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC), the programme is currently funded by Scottish Government and administered by Skills Development Scotland, on an extended pilot basis.
Why work in Land-based?
Nearly 65,000 people work in Scotland’s agriculture industry and 80% of Scotland’s landmass is used for agriculture. Food and drink is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors in Scotland. This is a vital industry that is important to the food security of every nation and region. It is also a significant sector of the economy that includes a largenumber of small businesses.
Working in the land-based sector offers a lifestyle that is diverse and rewarding, with a range of benefits:
- Gaining a wide range of transferable skills that will be valuable throughout your career
- The opportunity to connect with the landscape and nature
- Building a strong sense of community and family with those you work alongside
- A sector where entrants can proactively help to address climate change
- The land-based sector is so varied, it offers good job security and high rates of pay for experienced skilled workers.
- Over the long-term (2025 to 2032), Skills Development Scotland labour data forecasts that approx.21,000 people will be required in the sector, this is mainly due to replacement demand as half of all agricultural workers are currently aged 50 years plus.
The aims of the programme
The ultimate aim of the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is to help prepare young people for employment in agriculture and the wider rural sector.
The programme provides practical experience, training and knowledge allowing the candidates to make informed decisions as to how they would like their career to progress.
Pre-Apprenticeship Format:
Upfront Induction
Working in collaboration with SRUC, the successful applicants undertake an upfront residential induction on a college campus; involving a range of activities and certificated training as follows:
- Preparation for Employment award (SCQF level 4)
- Health & Safety Risk Assessment
- Emergency First Aid
- Manual Handling Awareness
- Tractor Driving (3 days) + on the road Tractor Driving
- Rough Terrain Telescopic Forklift (3 days)
- Crop Production/Livestock Production
Training Courses
Up to £1500 of training will be offered to each candidate with an element of certified training tailored to individual needs.
Work Placement
Following the upfront induction, successful pre-apprentices commence their individual placements with an approved mentor business for 26 weeks. The work placement is fully paid, based on 40 hrs per week. Payment for time worked is in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB).
Completion
All candidates who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion awarded from Ringlink.
Click the icon above to download the Forestry Pre-apprenticeship booklet
Frequently asked questions
When does the programme start?
Either in January or June. The Winter intake starts end of January and the Summer intake starts mid-June each year. The residential induction is held at an SRUC campus, usually Aberdeen.
What are the age restrictions?
Applicants must be 16-21 years old. To comply with employment legislation all workers must be aged 16 years upwards to undertake full-time employment.
What are the entry qualifications?
No qualifications are required. However, we are looking for enthusiastic young people who are keen to earn, learn and grow within the rural sector.
What level of agricultural experience is required?
The pre-apprenticeship is aimed at attracting new entrants and supporting those individuals with limited experience to progress within the land-based industry.
What is the pay rate?
Up until the 31 March 2025*, the standard pay rate is £7.20 per hour. Overtime rates will apply after working more than 8 hours in any day and in excess of 48 hours in any week. OT rate is 1.5 times the standard pay rate.
(*In accordance with Scottish Agricultural Wage Board (SAWB) pay rates)
Where is the work placement and how is this sourced?
The work placement with a mentor business is sourced by Ringlink. The work placement is typically within a 10-15 mile radius from where the trainee lives, to make it as accessible as possible. Candidates are welcome to suggest a potential workplace.
Is a driving licence required?
No – however it is the trainee’s responsibility to have a reliable means of transport to get to and from the work placement for the six-month duration. More opportunities are available for candidates who are independently mobile with their own transport, whether its a car or CBT (moped) licence.
Is a tractor licence required?
We strongly encourage all applicants to apply for a tractor test whenever possible. A provisional licence can be applied for at 15 years and 9 months, and given the lengthy waiting lists for test dates, we recommend applying as soon as eligible via the DVSA: Book your driving test – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What happens at the end of the six-month placement?
Approximately 50% of trainees progress on to a Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture, with the majority remaining with their mentor businesses. Other pre-apprentices opt for full-time employment, college or even register with Ringlink Services, which allows them to build up their work experience.
Programme Partners
SRUC: Provide the facilities for a residential induction. SRUC also deliver the Preparation for Employment award (SCQF level 4) together with additional training units.
Ringlink Scotland: Provide the day-to-day management of the programme, recruit and support candidates along with the mentor businesses, and provide certified training for the trainees.
For any queries contact: Gail Robertson, 01561 376022 or gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk
To apply for the Pre-Apprenticeship
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor
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