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

Modules will integrate the hands-on study of agroecological practice with comparison to conventional, organic, biodynamic, permaculture systems and design.

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

• Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
• Understanding plant and soil science
• Animal husbandry and holistic livestock management
• Closed-loop systems and ecologically coherent waste management
• Land-based business management
• Root crop and field vegetable production
• Agroforestry and farm habitat management
• Agroecological practice and design methodology
• 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.

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
• Use the connections made on farm placements to secure on-farm employment

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:  

More detail will be available on each individual placement by April 2025.

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 innovative techniques and unique knowledge.
• No exams! You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year and be assessed via practical observations, oral tests, written reports or presentations.
• In unique learning environments, learn real-world practical skills that will help you achieve your goals in the future.
• As a part of your course, you will undertake the BMC Change in Practice Level 3 module 1-day per week, which will enable you to develop your understanding and skills around sustainable development and employability. In this module, you will cover a diverse range of topics, such as ecosystems and biodiversity, active citizenship and project development.
• Your learning experience will be enhanced through practical activities, field trips, guest lectures, and projects relating to your subject. 
• 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.

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