Why study SfW Rural Skills?

In this course, you will learn some of the basic practical skills required for working in land-based jobs, such as agriculture, horticulture, animal care, forestry and landscaping.

Workers in the land-based and environmental sector account for about 2% of the Scottish workforce. The sector includes a wide range of industries, many of which are small but important to the Scottish economy. Job prospects are likely to be steady in the next five years.

Rural Skills offers good opportunities for those who enjoy:

• working outdoors
• working with their hands
• learning practical skills
• working in a team
• working with plants or animals.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Animals, Land and Environment

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college.

What will I study?

The course is made up of three compulsory units, two taking 40 hours and one taking 20 hours of study, and two optional units, one of 40 hours and another of 20 hours.

The compulsory units are:

• Land-based Industries: an introduction (40 hours)
• Estate Maintenance (40 hours)
• Employability Skills for Land-based industries (20 hours)

The optional units are:

• Animal Husbandry: an introduction (40 hours)
• Animal Handling: an introduction (20 hours)

OR

• Crop Production: an introduction (40 hours)
• Soft Landscaping: an introduction (20 hours)

You will learn about

• the job opportunities available in the sector
• carrying out basic repairs and maintenance work, such as fence and path repairs
• maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals such as cattle and sheep
• the use of a range of hand tools
• the basics of animal handling and health
• producing a crop from seed to harvest
• caring for plants, including weed control, pest control, fertilising and pruning.

Where will I take the course?

You will usually train at a local college. You will have to wear appropriate protective clothing including safety boots, overalls, gloves and waterproofs.

Work experience/placements

For health and safety reasons, you may not be able to arrange a work experience placement in Rural Skills. However, colleges may be able to offer training in a real or simulated workplace setting.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be based on a range of practical activities in real or simulated workplace settings. Tutors will observe and keep records of your work. Some assessment may be done online using an e-portfolio system.

What can I go on to next?

You may be able to progress to:

Employment /Training

• A Modern Apprenticeship leading to Rural Skills at SCQF Levels 5 to 6/7. 
• A labouring job in the land-based industries, for example in landscaping, farming, gardening or sports ground maintenance.

Further/Higher Education

• A one year full time NC or NQ in a horticulture or landbased subject such as Greenkeeping, Horticulture, Countryside Skills or Introduction to Hard and Soft Landscape Gardening at a local college of further education

Further study, training or employment in:

• Animals, Land and Environment

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• SfW Rural Skills - Related Careers