Farming

Farming - Education and training

Education and training

Whether you are looking to start a career in farming or any other related land-based industry, or if you are already involved in the sector and are looking to further develop your skills, having access to the right education and training is essential. This page has been divided into three sections to help you find the right contacts:

  • educational courses
  • training
  • vocational training

College and university courses

If you are looking to enter agriculture as a career then there are a number of colleges and universities providing suitable courses.

For a full list of these you should contact Napaeo, the association that represents further education and higher education colleges specialising in farming and related land-based subjects.

Courses range from full-time, part-time and flexible learning and span from pre-entry to post graduate courses across a range of related subject areas. Course subjects include:

  • agriculture
  • countryside management
  • sport and leisure
  • environmental conservation
  • horticulture
  • food processing

Entry to an HND course is usually granted with four GCSEs (A-C) plus one A-level, or equivalent qualification.

For a degree course you will usually require five GCSEs (A-C) plus two A-levels. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

  • Napaeo
  • LearnDirect: For free, impartial and up-to-date advice on courses and careers in agriculture you can also visit the LearnDirect website or contact its telephone helpline on 0800 100 900.

Training

Land-based businesses often train apprentices to become employees who can combine technical knowledge with practical skills. Many businesses offer nationally recognised qualifications through this route and potential employers will often look favourably on job applicants with recognised qualifications.

You can find details of apprenticeships in the farming sector on the Apprenticeships website. You can also contact Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the land-based and environmental industries, for further information on courses, training and qualifications to further your skills in the land-based sector.

In addition, Learning and Skills Councils can provide further information on training and training providers within your local area.

Further advice and guidance is available, whether you are an existing employee, employer or looking to start a land-based career from Lantra.

In addition Natural England provides a series of seminars, conferences, walks, farm visits and workshops covering a wide range of land management and environmental advice.

Vocational training

National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC): provide a full range of Vocational Qualifications (VQs), National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Certificates of Competence. These qualifications and certificates cover the range of land-based and related industries, including agriculture, horticulture and forestry and may cover skills you already have. NPTC’s website provides details on the full range of qualifications and how to be assessed.

Rural Development Programme for England

The England Rural Development Programme, which provided a range of funding for rural areas, closed at the end of 2006. The socio-economic schemes, the Rural Enterprise Scheme, the Vocational Training Scheme and the Processing and Marketing Grant, closed to new applications at the end of June 2006. Rural development funding, including funding for training, is being taken forward by the Rural Development Programme for England, which is being delivered by Regional Development Agencies.

Fresh Start Academies

Fresh Start Academies consist of a 12 month training course covering various aspects of farm business management. They offer new entrants a chance to build on existing technical knowledge by improving business skills as well as identifying new business opportunities, business mentoring, and matchmaking with existing farmers.

Further information

See also

Contacts

  • Defra helpline – 08459 33 55 77

Page last modified: 17 June 2008
Page published: 1 July 2006

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs