About the Programme
The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House is offering an industry-standard Farming and Rural Skills training programme, at our MacRobert Farming and Rural Skills Centre. The course will include:
- Introduction to Farming and Rural skills, knowledge, skills and practical experience. Including aspects of animal health, animal husbandry and rural skills.
- Experience of beef, sheep, dairy and arable farming systems.
- Visits to local food processing organisations.
- Insight into the local and national industry.
- Four weeks in-house training.
- Opportunity for a two-week industry placement.
- One week employability and personal development.
What we offer
- A seven-week City and Guilds accredited training programme, including a two-week placement at no cost to participants.
- Hands-on training with livestock; cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.
- 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
Key dates
Applications close on: Monday 14th September 2026
Interviews will take place week beginning: Monday 21st September 2026
The course will begin on: Monday 12th October 2026
How to apply
Apply using our online application form.
Who can take part?
Any adult aged 18+ including:
- Those at any stage of their career, looking for a change.
- DWP clients who would like to find employment in the agriculture industry.
- College leavers who are interested in getting into the agriculture or rural skills industries.
- Individuals with limited agricultural experience.
Location
The Programme will take place at The King’s Foundation headquarters at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, Scotland. Students are required to relocate to Scotland for the duration of the programme.
Dumfries House is approximately a 30-minute drive from Ayr or Kilmarnock, with bus routes available to the estate’s outskirts. Please note that travelling by public transport will also require a short walk of around 20 minutes to reach the Textile Centre location.
Nearby towns such as Cumnock, Auchinleck, New Cumnock, or Ochiltree may also provide accommodation options. Access to a car may be beneficial for those living in more remote locations.
Glasgow is another option, located around one hour by car. Trains and buses are available, but services may be limited. The nearest train station is Auchinleck.
