Overview
The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship is an ideal pathway for progression within agriculture and the rural sector. It enables young entrants to earn and learn, gaining valuable workplace experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification at SCQF level 4. Following an initial induction, each pre-apprentice completes certified short course training while undertaking a 6-month paid placement with a dedicated mentor business.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Lantra Scotland and the Scottish Rural College (SRUC), and is funded by Scottish Government.
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 large number 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 varied, it offers good job security and potential for progression
* Skills Development Scotland labour data forecasts that approx. 21,000 people will be required in the sector (replacement demand as many workers are aged 50+)
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 candidates to make informed decisions about how they would like their career to progress.
Pre-Apprenticeship Format
Upfront Induction
Working in collaboration with SRUC, 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 hours per week. Payment 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the programme start? Either in January or June. The winter intake starts at the 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 31 March 2026, the standard pay rate is £7.65 per hour. Overtime rates apply after 8 hours in a day and after 48 hours in a week. OT rate is 1.5x the standard pay rate. (In accordance with 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. Candidates are welcome to suggest a potential workplace.
Is a driving licence required? No – but the trainee must 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.
Is a tractor licence required? We encourage applicants to apply for a tractor test whenever possible. A provisional licence can be applied for at 15 years and 9 months; given waiting lists, apply early via the DVSA website.
What happens at the end of the six-month placement? Approximately 50% progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture, with the majority remaining with their mentor businesses. Others may pursue full-time employment, college or register with Ringlink Services to build further experience.
Programme Partners
SRUC: Provide the residential induction facilities and deliver the Preparation for Employment award (SCQF level 4) along with additional training units.
Ringlink Scotland: Manage the programme day-to-day, recruit and support candidates and mentor businesses, and provide certified training for trainees.
For any queries contact: Michelle Lawrie or Gail Robertson, 01561 376022 or skills@ringlinkscotland.co.uk
How to participate
To apply for the Pre-Apprenticeship, click Here. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, click Here.
Find us on social media:
* Facebook: @preapprenticeship
* Instagram: @preapprenticeship
* YouTube: @RinglinkScotlandLtd
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