An innovative project in Dumfries & Galloway helps young people into work while addressing skills shortages within the local dairy sector.

The ‘Dairy Skills Initiative Dumfries and Galloway, SRUC‘ is a unique partnership involving Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), NFU Scotland, Lantra, Dumfries & Galloway Employment TAP and Skills Development Scotland. It offers school leavers with no previous farm experience 12 week placements on local dairy farms, at no cost to the host farmers.

Trainees will get involved in the wide range of practical work involved in running a busy dairy farm. On successful completion of their placement they achieve a ‘Certificate of Work Readiness’ and references to help them move into employment. There may also be opportunities for progression to an Agricultural Modern Apprenticeship.

Host farmers will have the benefit of working with a young trainee, while the wider local dairy sector will benefit from an increase in ‘work ready’ individuals with references.

Find our more about this project with video below and article.