This full-time practical course offers an introduction to gardening and estate management in the college's Community Garden, Italian Garden, woodlands, and 125 acre estate
Rural Skills
SCQF Level 4
The Rural Skills course provides a hands-on introduction to working with the land based in our gardens, woodlands and across the college estate. This practical programme will help you build the knowledge and experience needed to pursue a future in land-based industries or further study.
You will also develop key skills for sustainability, gaining a deeper understanding of the natural environment and how to care for it. From species identification to conservation projects, this course offers a solid foundation for anyone interested in green careers or contributing to a more sustainable future.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal if:
- You enjoy working outdoors in all seasons
- You want to develop practical skills in gardening, estate maintenance and conservation
- You are looking to progress into land-based employment or further education
- You are ready to commit to a course that combines physical work with reflective learning
No formal qualifications are required, but a genuine interest in outdoor and hands-on work is essential. You should be able to write a full paragraph.
Newbattle is a place where not only do you gain qualifications but gain friendships, life skills and confidence.
What we do?
On this course we:
- Learn through practical tasks across our 125-acre heritage estate
- Gain real work experience in our Community Garden, Italian Garden and woodlands
- Use a wide range of tools and equipment, provided by the college
- Develop a strong sense of teamwork, responsibility and environmental awareness
What will I learn?
The course is designed to help you:
- Gain essential rural and land-based skills
- Build your confidence and work-readiness
- Understand the rural environment and your potential role within it
- Explore future pathways into land-based careers or further study
What will I learn?
You will cover topics such as:
- Rural estate management
- Developing skills for employment
- Introduction to the rural environment
- Species identification
- Constructing rural features and structures
- Soft landscaping
- Communication and Information Technology
How will I Study?
You will be in college for three days each week, with a small amount of learning to be undertaken at home or within one of the college’s beautiful study spaces. Most learning is practical and takes place outdoors, supported by classroom-based sessions. The college will provide you with warm and waterproof protective clothing so that you can be fully prepared to tackle working in the outdoors in all weathers!
