We are heading into 4iR! 4iR is the 4th industrial revolution (sometimes called industry 4.0), where rapid technological growth and interconnectivity is changing the way we live, and the way we work. The agriculture sector is changing too, new technologies, the need for diversification and business sustainability, along with shifting environmental policies and targets, leaves the sector calling out for higher-level training and CPD to meet current workforce needs and to develop the workforce of the future, capable of meeting the changing landscape driven by 4iR.
The new SRUC HND level Rural Land Use and Management apprenticeship in agriculture (livestock or crops), the first of its kind for the sector in Scotland, will provide you with the skills you need for career progression and to meet future workforce needs. ‘Earn as you learn’ work-based delivery, gives more flexibility, so there is no need for you to put your life ‘on-hold’ to study. Apprenticeships provide industry recognised qualifications at the same time as giving you hands-on experience with your employer, and those choosing to study with SRUC benefit from expert industry lecturers/assessors, access to up-to-date information and research, and other opportunities for additional training and or CPD.
The apprenticeship has been developed with the sector, aiming to provide you with the relevant higher-level core skills required to become competent in leadership and management roles, and will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills you need for specialist industry activities. Livestock units cover health and welfare, animal replacement and transportation along with grassland management, while units for crops cover cropping management, harvesting/post-harvesting activities and harvest storage. You will get the opportunity to deliver a new rural land use enterprise within your organisation, and other units will give you the skills you need in health and safety, biosecurity, quality assurance, and more.
This is a 2-year work-based programme with blended learning distance and campus attendance. Pattern of attendance is to be informed by sector research and planned around seasonal peaks of workplace activity.
Virtual Experience
Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.
SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.
