Skills Development Programme (Scotland) — Traineeship

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Are you a young or new entrant farmer in Scotland? Upskill and jump-start your career as a low-input, regenerative farmer with our traineeship.

The Skills Development Programme [SDP] is for young and new entrant farmers interested in regenerative and low-input farming practices. We provide comprehensive training and knowledge that would otherwise be difficult to access.

During this programme, trainees can expect to receive on-farm training, multiple visits to farm businesses practicing regenerative agriculture, involvement in practical exercises to increase understanding, connections with similarly minded and similarly placed peers across Scotland, access to industry experts from across the UK, and coaching support — all delivered over a 6-month training period (equalling ~54 hours in total).

Traineeship Package

Our Traineeship Package offers participation in the entire Skills Development Programme being delivered in 2025 for a single fee.

Details

- Runs from June-November 2025
- Totals 54 hours
- £550/person or £425/person for Pasture for Life [PfL] members
- You do not have to be a PfL member to join. However, become a member (£120p/a) and the discount means you'll have already earned back your membership fee!
- Questions? Contact Jamie Jack scotland@pastureforlife.org

What's Included?

6 in-person training sessions, 1 per month, June-Nov 2025
3 additional farm walks, with 2 on topics chosen collectively by the trainees
Educational Resources, suited to your individual learning objectives
Ongoing coaching from the team at PfL, throughout the programme
The opportunity to learn as part of a collective group of new entrants to agriculture

See the full schedule here.

Last year's Skills Development Programme

'The regular contact and flow of continual learning that this has provided has been invaluable, giving me the confidence to progress into my current position managing a large regenerative livestock farm. Without my PFL membership this would not have been possible.

The particular benefit of the SDP has been the targeted classroom sessions focused on particular topics, delivered in combination with farm visits and the chance to see and discuss the day’s topic. This has worked very well for me personally as I do not learn particularly well by rote only. The connections made with other course members will continue to be important as well, and regular communications on day to day farm management are now normal.'

~ Andy Heath, Castlemilk Estate

FAQs

Q: Can I book onto just one of the 6 in-person training sessions?

A: If you have specific areas of interest, paid places on individual training sessions will be available to book throughout 2025 through Eventbrite subject to availability. The cost of attending will range from £80-£145 per person depending on the session. However, the best way to secure your place is to book onto the full course. To stay informed on Training Session availability go to our Eventbrite page which will be continually updated throughout 2025.

Q: Do I have to be a Pasture for Life member?

A: No, but you'll save on this package if you become a member first. Find out more about membership here.

Q: I'm a Pasture for Life member. How do I apply my discount?

A: Once your £550 payment has been processed, we'll refund you the difference within 14 days. Please make sure you use the email address linked to your membership so we know who you are. Any questions, email your membership manager Bryony at membership@pastureforlife.org.