Rural Skills

Interested in working outdoors, practical tasks, or jobs involving plants, animals, or the environment?
The Skills for Work: Rural Skills course is an introductory, hands‑on qualification that helps you explore what it’s like to work in Scotland’s land‑based industries. These industries include agriculture, horticulture, forestry, landscaping, animal care, and other key rural sectors. [sqa.org.uk]

What the Course Is About

This course develops the basic practical skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes needed for work in rural and land‑based jobs. You will learn how the sector works, what kinds of careers exist, and the expectations of employers—such as good timekeeping, teamwork, communication and a positive work ethic. [sqa.org.uk]

It’s a great option if you enjoy:

• Working outdoors

• Practical, hands‑on activities

• Working with plants or animals

• Being part of a team

• Learning real workplace skills
  [planitplus.net]

What You Will Study

The course is made up of three compulsory units and two optional units:

Compulsory Units

• Land‑based Industries: An Introduction

• Estate Maintenance

• Employability Skills for Land‑based Industries
  [planitplus.net]

Optional Units (choose one route):

Animal Route

• Animal Husbandry: An Introduction

• Animal Handling: An Introduction

Plant/Land Route

• Crop Production: An Introduction

• Soft Landscaping: An Introduction
  [sqa.org.uk]

Across these units, you’ll learn how to:

• Carry out basic repairs such as maintaining paths or fences

• Use practical tools safely

• Care for animals and understand basic animal health

• Grow crops from seed to harvest

• Care for plants, manage weeds and pests, and maintain green spaces
  [planitplus.net]

How You Will Learn

Learning is practical and active. You may take part in:

• Outdoor tasks such as planting, fencing, or grounds maintenance

• Basic animal‑care routines

• Tool use and safe working practices

• Team‑based projects and problem‑solving
  [shetland.uhi.ac.uk]

You will usually train at a local college or outdoor learning facility, and you’ll be expected to wear appropriate protective clothing such as safety boots and waterproofs. [planitplus.net]

Assessment

There is no final exam.
Assessment is based on:

• Practical activities

• Tutor observation checklists

• Building a portfolio of evidence

• Self‑assessment and reflective tasks

What This Course Leads To:

This course can open progression routes into:

• Modern Apprenticeships in land‑based industries

• Jobs in farming, landscaping, gardening, sports‑ground maintenance, horticulture, or animal care

• Further study in land‑based subjects at college (NC/NQ)
  [planitplus.net]

Is This the Right Course for You?

Choose SfW Rural Skills if you want to:

• Learn through practical, outdoor tasks

• Develop confidence and hands‑on skills

• Explore real job opportunities in rural Scotland

• Build teamwork, communication, and employability skills

• Gain experience that helps you decide on future study or work