Skip to main content
Study with us

Introduction to Farming and Rural Skills

Apply now

Location

Dumfries House estate, Ayrshire, Scotland

Course dates

Monday 13th October – Friday 28th November 2025

Application deadline

Monday 22nd September 2025

Taster day

Tuesday 7th October

About the Programme

The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House is offering an industry-standard Farming and Rural Skills training programme, as part of the MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre. The course will include:

  • Introduction to the knowledge and practical experiences in farming and rural skills.
  • Insight into the local and national industry.
  • Four weeks in-house training.
  • Opportunity for a two-week placement.
  • One week employability development.

What we offer:

  • A seven-week training programme, including a two-week placement at no cost to participants.
  • Hands-on training with livestock and sheep.
  • Full farm PPE provided.
  • Transport available from Cumnock bus station/Auchinleck train station, at no cost to participants.
  • Training in a purpose-built farm setting on a working estate farm.
Our rare-breed sheep Dumfries House

How to apply

Apply using our online application form.

Applications close on: Monday 22nd September 2025.

Interview dates: Week beginning Monday 29th September. Successful candidates will be invited to a taster day on Tuesday 7th October.

The course will begin on Monday 13th October and run until Friday 28th November 2025.

Who can take part?

Any adult aged 18+ including:

  • Those at any stage in their career, looking for a career change.
  • DWP clients who would like to find employability in the agriculture industry.
  • College leavers interested in getting into the agriculture and rural skills industry.
Working with our sheep

Back to top