Level 3 Traineeship in Regenerative Farming and Agroecology
A year-long traineeship in Regenerative Farming and 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, BMC has collaborated with the Apricot Centre and the Real Farming Trust to develop and deliver this new course, which is certified by City & Guilds. We are a part of TALC (The Agroecology Learning Collective)
What are the details?
Length of course: 1 academic year, full-time from January 2025 to December 2025
Study days: 3 days per week WITHOUT work-placement OR 5 days per week WITH work-placement.
Locations available: Talgarth (Troed-yr-Harn Farm & other farms nearby)
The integrated work-placement is optional, however if you require accommodation this is only available within a placement. All trainees on placement are eligible for reimbursement of training related expenses (food, transport, accommodation) up to £75 per week. Note that the cost of providing accommodation can be included in your expenses.
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, gaining both practical assistance and the social reward of facilitating participatory learning and engaging the next generation in farming.
Benefits for the trainee:
A year-long traineeship gives 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.
Where are the work experience placements?
We have partnered with a wide variety of local farms, where your optional work experience will take place. These may include:
- Troed yr Harn, Talgarth (Black Mountains College)
- Ciliau Farm, Erwood
- Lower Genffordd, Talgarth
- Fern Verrow, Herefordshire
- Hill Farm, Powys
- FARMERS’ Welsh Lavender, Builth Wells
- Llwynberried, Llanigon
- Moor Park Garden, Crickhowell
- New House Farm, Monmouth
- Penpont Organic Farm, Brecon
- Ty Mawr, Brecon
- Wye Organic, Ross on Wye
- Greenfields Farm, Cusop
- 100% Hay @ Glanwye Farm
- Primrose Farm
Not all of these include accommodation, so please take a look and identify which best meets your needs.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for this Traineeship is fully funded for students aged 16 and over who are UK residents, with no upper age limit. If you complete the course, you will not need to repay any tuition fees! You will need to make sure that you can cover your other costs of living during the course (i.e. rent, food, bills).
The course involves an optional work placement across the year. Some placements include accommodation, and all include a £75 per week training allowance (reimbursement for expenses incurred, this amount may include an amount for accommodation). This is a great opportunity to gain further practical, real-life training in an authentic environment and have some of your training expenses reimbursed.
We know the cost of living has increased and we never want money to be a barrier to your education – there may be additional options available to support you with living costs whilst you study! Visit our Further Education Student Finance page for more information on what you could be entitled to during your studies.
Further Education Student Finance >What are the entry requirements?
We welcome applications from all diverse backgrounds and life experiences. You will need to have GSCE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). If you are unable to meet this requirement, please contact ria@blackmountainscollege.uk to discuss your options.
PLEASE NOTE: MOST PLACEMENTS REQUIRE STUDENTS TO DRIVE AND HAVE ACCESS TO A CAR
Minimum age: 16 years if you are within walking or cycling distance from the college. There is no upper age limit!
How do I apply?
Complete and submit an application form.
Applications for January 2025 start are now open!
Apply Now >Questions
If you’d like to ask us any questions, join one of our taster sessions or arrange to have a chat with the tutor, email us.
Courses may be subject to change without notice. Known as Level 3 Work-Based Agriculture, certified by C&G
