Land-based Pre Apprenticeship Programme (January intake)
Join the Land-based Pre Apprenticeship Programme (January intake) role at DYW North East.
Programme 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.
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.
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.
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.
* 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.
FAQs
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.
What are the age restrictions?
Applicants must be 16-21 years old.
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.
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.
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.
Is a tractor licence required?
We strongly encourage all applicants to apply for a tractor test whenever possible.
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.
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