Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex

Land Based Pre-Apprenticeship Programme

Land Based Pre-Apprenticeship Programme | Lantra – Scotland

Description

Programme providing a pathway into agriculture for 16 to 21 year olds from agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds, providing technical skills via formal qualification (SCQF level 4 and industry specific certificated training) and practical experience via a 26-week paid work placement with a mentor (typically a farmer) needed to access a Land Based apprenticeship, up to £1500 of training per candidate, payment for work in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board

Purpose

Finding a way into agriculture as your career as a young person without a pre-existing family connection can be daunting. New entrants are the future of agriculture and food production in Scotland, sustaining the rural workforce, rural communities, and the rural economy. Scottish Government have committed in their Programme for Government to create more opportunities for new entrants to farming, providing a range of support including the Land Based Pre-Apprenticeship Programme. The scheme provides basic practical skills and valuable experience in the sector and is particularly helpful to those with no background in agriculture, creating opportunities for young people in rural areas

Contribution to Strategic Outcomes

Enabling Thriving Rural Communities

• The programme supports young new entrants into the sector and creates opportunities for young people in rural (particularly highland and islands) areas maintaining rural workforces, rural communities, and the rural economy.

Support for Just Transition

• The programme supports young new entrants into the sector and creates opportunities for young people in rural (particularly highland and islands) areas maintaining rural workforces, rural communities, and the rural economy.

Method

Application to Ringlink Scotland, Borders Machinery Ring or Tarff Valley Ltd

Key dates

Currently open for applications, course commences either January or June

Eligibility

• You must be aged between 16 to 21
• You must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the agricultural sector, a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Available Scotland wide

Requirements

• N/A

Baseline payment information (2025):

Budget see Next Generation Practical Training Fund

No. of recipients circa 100-150 per academic year

Governed by the FONE group and monitored via quarterly meetings and reporting, administered by Skills Development Scotland, accredited by the Scottish Rural College (SRUC)