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Students learning outdoors on a farm

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. 

Website
https://blackmountainscollege.uk/study/further-education/agroecology-traineeshi…

Location: Talgarth

Study Time: 3 days per week

Course Length: 1 year from January to December

Minimum Age: 16 years old

Equipment Requirements: Warm waterproof clothing and shoes for working outdoors, and a pair of wellies

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.

 

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.

 

Work Experience

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. 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.

You will require a driving licence and access to a vehicle for your placement.

 

Why study Regenerative Farming & Agroecology?

Gain a real and authentic experience about what it is to be a grower, livestock farmer or woodland manager.

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

 

Applications for a January 2026 start are now open! Apply early via our website to secure your spot. You will need to complete a short interview with our friendly team.

Further Education Prospectus - Black Mountains College.pdf20.59 MB

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Connected Content

Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative farming looks to optimise the use of the ecological system and environment, in order to benefit from the natural ecosystem services that they provide.

Agroecology

Agroecology is a holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems. Definition from FAO.

Sustainable Agriculture

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Organic Farming

Organic is a system of farming and food production. Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare.