Workstart: Rural Skills

Our Workstart: Rural Skills Pathway course has been created in partnership with local and national rural employers and organisations. It is designed for young people with additional support needs, including care experienced young people, with a particular interest in practical outdoor work.

This rural skills pathway will give young people the opportunity to learn practical skills and explore opportunities and employment within the rural economy.

The Pathway to Rural Skills embeds these 4 themes:

Rural Employability skills -We offer a practical SQA Steps to Work programme where students participate in community rural projects, whilst discovering their personal qualities.

Practical Rural skills – We work with local and national rural employers to help young people learn the practical skills needed in the rural economy.

Employment Progression in Rural Skills - We support students to develop knowledge of the rural employment opportunities including: forestry, practical conservation, estate maintenance, and hospitality, and we have an emphasis on sustainable employment at the end of the course.

Attainment –SQA level 4 Coreskills, Hospitality and Practical Trades are embedded into the course, and students work throughout the year on increasing their qualifications at their required level.

The course is one-year full time, 16 hours per week. Students must be prepared to participate in outdoor work.