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Introduction to Farming and Rural Skills

Location

Dumfries House estate, Ayrshire, Scotland

Application deadline

Monday 9th March

Course dates

Monday 23rd March – Friday 1st May 2026

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 one-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

Applications are now closed. Please check back to this page for future updates on the course.

Who can take part?

Any adult aged 18+ including:

  • Individuals who have little or no previous experience in agriculture.
  • 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

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