Land and Nature
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Land and Nature like?
Do you love Scotland's natural landscapes and habitats? This Modern Apprenticeship will teach you the skills you need to get a career and thrive in Scotland's outdoors.
At SCQF Level 5, you can specialise in:
Land and Estates
Nature Restoration
Game and Wildlife Management
You'll learn a wide variety of skills and get hands-on experience related to your pathway. You could be carrying out environmental surveys, caring for working animals or conserving wildlife and habitats.
At SCQF Level 6, you can specialise in:
Land and Estates
Nature Restoration
You'll have similar roles and duties but you'll take on more responsibility. For example, you could manage a land-based site development.
What's the qualification?
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or 6.
Your qualification includes:
SCQF Level 5
Diploma in Land and Estates at SCQF Level 5
Or
Diploma in Nature Restoration at SCQF Level 5
Or
Diploma in Game and Wildlife Management at SCQF Level 5
SCQF Level 6
Diploma in Land and Estates at SCQF Level 6
Or
Diploma in Nature Restoration at SCQF Level 6
What will I learn?
What you'll learn about will depend on the level and pathway of your apprenticeship. Some areas you'll likely build knowledge and experience in include:
working safely outdoors
looking after nature, protecting habitats and improving biodiversity
carrying out practical outdoor tasks like fixing paths and helping with habitat or estate maintenance
caring for and transporting animals
using and looking after tools and machinery
assessing the environment, for example by surveying land, wildlife and conditions
following hygiene and safety rules around animals and sensitive habitats
keeping good records, such as notes on equipment, tasks or incidents
You’ll also develop the following core skills:
communication
numeracy
information and communication technology
problem-solving
working with others
These transferable skills can be used for different jobs in other sectors, too.
Where could it take me?
By completing the apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5, you'll be able to move on to SCQF Level 6. Or you could study other relevant work-based, Further Education or Higher Education qualifications. This could be in areas such as:
wildlife
conservation
ecology
environmental science
land management
Completing the Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 puts you in a good position to apply for roles such as:
access/recreation officer
environmental management/officer
senior ranger
estate supervisor
wildlife manager
reserve manager
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or 6. Although, you must be employed in a suitable job to gain the experience and knowledge you need to earn the qualification. You should also:
be prepared to attend off-the-job training
be prepared to develop the broad range of skills, knowledge and understanding needed in the apprenticeship
enjoy working outdoors
have a positive attitude towards learning
When considering your application, an employer may focus more on your skills and experience, rather than formal qualifications.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
The Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 will take between 15 and 18 months to complete.
At SCQF Level 6, it'll take you between 18 months and two years to achieve the Modern Apprenticeship.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.