The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ringlink pre-apprentice youngsters begin work
First group of entrants will work full-time with mentor
Ringlink Scotland’s new preapprenticeship scheme is under way with 13 youngsters embarking on a six-month work placement across the north-east, Perthshire and Angus.
The youngsters, aged 16-18, have completed a three-week residential induction at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen, and they will now work full-time with a mentor until January 2019.
The pre-apprenticeship scheme, which gives participants an SRUC accredited vocational qualification at SCQF level 4, is an extension of the previous Ringlink Internship, launched in 2013.
The scheme now includes one module from the Modern Apprenticeship (MA Level 2) in Agriculture, with a choice of either crop production or livestock production, as well as further practical taster sessions including welding, ATVs and gators, a machinery overview, and on the road tractor driving.
“I am delighted with the success of the programme to date and, with 50 applications received this year for only 15 places available, we know there is a demand for the programme,” said Ringlink managing director, Graham Bruce.
“A proposal has recently been submitted to Scottish Government seeking a sustainable funding model that will allow the existing programme to continue and to grow nationally.
“In partnership with SRUC, the preapprenticeship offers new entrants a recognised route into the rural industry whilst also meeting the needs of agricultural employers, as it was designed to do.”
He said a winter programme would be introduced for the first time this year. Applications will open in September for the eight places available.
Successful applications will start their induction in January 2019 and their work placements will begin towards the end of January or the start of February, and run for six months.
“(It) offers new entrants a recognised route into the rural industry