Rural Skills Training course at Glenlivet gives local pupils career head start

Fifteen third year pupils from Speyside High School in Aberlour visited the Glenlivet estate in Moray this week as part of a Rural Skills for Work training course.

Crown Estate Countryside and Forestry Manager, Andrew Wells, and Glenlivet Estate Ranger Geoff Charlton, demonstrated practical skills for repairing and replacing sign-posts along an all-abilities walking trail before the pupils carried out their first task.

This is the first time that Glenlivet has been actively involved in helping to deliver the estate maintenance element of the course.

Andrew Wells said   “the Glenlivet Estate Ranger Service is pleased to be working with Speyside High School to provide practical outdoor skills training for young people, through this innovative project.  As well as getting hands-on practical experience of a wide variety of countryside management activities, the pupils also have the opportunity to learn other important skills for the workplace like team working, problem solving, health and safety. During their time at Glenlivet there will be plenty of opportunities for the youngsters to get involved in learning about managing and conserving our natural-environment.”

Designed for mainly third and fourth year pupils, the new course encourages pupils to learn skills practical skills out with the classroom environment.

Teacher Dr Katy Fraser, who heads up the department of Biology and Rural Affairs at Speyside High School, said that for many pupils, this course offers the opportunity to learn and develop vocational skills for the workplace, she said:

“This is the only course where pupils are out of doors in all weathers, doing physical work and breathing in fresh air. It’s also about sustainable rural communities, offering our young people the chance to experience rural skills and hopefully inspiring them to progress to further training once they leave school.”

The Skills for Work – Rural Skills Course (Intermediate 1 qualification) has been developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to provide young people with practical skills for the workplace. Estate maintenance is a mandatory part of the two year course.

The Crown Estate encourages, schools, colleges and universities to visit its rural estates, and has developed a range of educational resources and services on the Glenlivet Estate. The Crown Estate also works closely with a range of organisations such as the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to help provide valuable training opportunities for young people.