Regenerative Farming & Agroecology Traineeship
NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Course intro

A year-long traineeship in Agroecology with land-based learning to help students transition into, or upgrade their skills in, the world of regenerative farming.

The world of farming and food production is changing. The challenges of climate change and fluctuating economic environments ask farmers to diversify for resilience. Agroecology is a strategy that could help us with these challenges. Informed by traditional global practices, agroecology explores the use of natural systems to promote good food for everyone, forever.

This course is ideal for students who want to further their experience in agroecology, agroforestry, soil science, and social and economic elements of regenerative approaches to land management and agriculture.

You will study in real-life training settings, within the Black Mountains on the border of Wales and England. Alongside your studies, you will undertake an optional work-based placement to enhance your employability skills and embed your learning.

In partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges, certified by City & Guilds. We are a part of The Agroecology Learning Collective. 

What will i learn

Our traineeship offers an authentic opportunity on a working farm, market garden or managed woodland and includes the following: 

• Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
• Soil and Plant Ecology
• Business Planning and Financial Forecasting
• Agroforestry
• Work experience is integrated across the year for all students (0.5 days per week)
• An optional year-long farm placement is offered for those who would like additional work-based training (an additional 2 days per week). A placement is guaranteed for those who would like it.

and more!

Why study agroecology?

The traineeship will prepare you to:

• Work in regenerative farming or small-holding type settings;
• Work in community supported agriculture or the circular food economy;
• Work in regenerative land-based systems;
• Progress into higher education courses such as our BA (Hons) in Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change.

All of our course tutors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, and you will be further supported by our partnerships with the Real Farming Trust and the Apricot Centre.

Benefits for the farmer:

• Farmers will benefit from the support of a willing and engaged student on placement, gaining both practical assistance and the social reward of facilitating participatory learning and engaging the next generation in farming.

Benefits for the trainee:

• Gain a real and authentic experience about what it is to be a grower, livestock farmer or woodland manager. Learning from an experienced person on the land will give you confidence and valuable practical skills. Couple this with the Level 3 qualification theoretical and practical knowledge, you will have an excellent basis to start or continue your land-based career.

Benefits for food, farming and land-based businesses:

• The aim of this training is to train the next generation of farmers and growers in regenerative farming systems, this will aid farms and woodlands to support biodiversity whilst still producing local food and other products.

work experience placements

We have partnered with a wide variety of local farms, where your optional work experience will take place for an additional 2-days per week. These may include:  

The integrated work-placement is optional, however if you require accommodation this is only available within a placement. Not all of the placements include accommodation, so please take a look and identify which best meets your needs.

All trainees on placement are eligible for reimbursement of training related expenses (food, transport, accommodation) at £75 per week. Note that the cost of providing accommodation can be deducted from this amount.

This is a great opportunity to gain further practical, real-life training in an authentic environment whilst earning some money.

Why study at BMC

• Our course tutor has extensive experience from a broad spectrum of areas, bringing up-to-date techniques and knowledge.
• No exams! You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year and be assessed via observations or a brief oral test.
• Learn real-world, practical skills which are in high demand, in unique learning environments.
• Students under the age of 18 without Grade 4/ C or above in English and Maths at GCSE level can opt for additional teaching and support to study for these qualifications alongside their NVQ. 
• As a part of their course, students will undertake the BMC Change in Practice module, which is 1-day per week and incorporates environmental science, where you will learn about earth cycles and ecosystems, as well as communication, research and business skills.
• Your learning experience within these sessions will be supplemented with various activities, day trips, guest lectures, and projects relating to your subject, where you will work with local organisations to complete practical work. You will use your project experience to imagine a venture and create a business plan. 
• BMC’s learning model, applied across all courses, integrates the head, hands and heart, multi-sensory protocols, outdoor learning and multiple hierarchies of knowledge or ways of knowing.

*Courses are subject to change without notice. Known as C&G Level 3 Work-Based Agriculture.