About the Programme
Are you looking for experience working on farm with large animals? Are you looking to gain experience in the farming industry? This new five-day course at the MacRobert Centre for Farming and Rural Skills at Dumfries House supports young people embarking on careers within the farming and agribusiness sector. Through our collaborative and hands-on approach, we deliver a work programme, providing participants with skills and support to go on and explore career opportunities.
Attendees will benefit from gaining experience in livestock care and handling, repair and maintenance, industry visits and an oversight into the business of farming and the wide range of career opportunities in the service and supply chain that makes up this dynamic, vibrant, essential industry. Our aim is for students to leave the course with the skills to start their journey into agriculture, veterinary medicine and other rural careers with news skills and contacts to draw upon throughout their future career.
What we offer:
- Five days attending workshops
- Industry visits
- Interdisciplinary learning opportunities across our 2,000-acre estate
- Access to our state-of-the-art training byre
- Full PPE provided
Key dates
Course Dates: Monday 6th July until Friday 10th July 2026
Application Deadlines
Applications close on: Friday 19th June 2026
Interview dates: Week beginning Friday 26th June 2026
The course will begin on Monday 6th July 2026
Location
The course takes place on the Dumfries House estate, our King’s Foundation headquarters, at our purpose-built education centre (MacRobert Centre for Farming and Rural Skills) next to our working farm.
How to apply
Applications can be made using our online application form.
Who can take part?
- Applicants should be aged between 16 and 21 years old.
- School leavers embarking on a career in the farming industry.
- Individuals who would like to study animal care or veterinary medicine who are looking to develop their practical experience.
- Those individuals who are interested in agriculture however unsure of routes into the sector.
