The Apricot Centre CIC is offering a yearlong Level 4 training for 2025. Is is both a standalone course and also follows on from the Level 3 training and traineeship. The training runs from February for 1 day per week training, 36 days contact time in total. It would be preferable if the trainee was working in the food and farming sector.

Our training offers an authentic opportunity to study regenerative food and detailed growing and farming systems in the round, including an in depth study of cropping and livestock systems and holistic grazings or agroforestry systems. The course can start your journey on the Permaculture Diploma, with the opportunity to potentially achieve half of the work required for this qualification. (With this you can become a permaculture designer, teacher or tutor). The course supports the new entrants schemes outlined by DEFRA. The course will be hosted at the Apricot centre, Dartington, with a range of tutors, and visits to support your learning. The training methods are varied and we welcome people with diverse learning styles.

You will be expected to complete 14 assignments during the course, and you should anticipate at least 5-6 hours of private study per week to complete the course.

The Level Four Regenerative Land Based Systems qualification is Ofqual-regulated. The Permaculture Diploma is awarded by the Permaculture Association.

Designed for people 18+, we welcome applications from all diverse backgrounds and life experiences. You will need to have previous qualification at a Level 3, A level, or equivalent in a related subject is desirable but not essential. Previous attendance on a Permaculture Design course is desirable but not required (If you are unable to meet this requirement please contact rachelphillips@apricotcentre.co.uk to discuss alternatives)

THE YEAR LONG TRAINING WILL PREPARE YOU TO:

• Work in regenerative farming or small holding type settings;

• Work in post-harvest roles such as food processing in regenerative food products;

• Work in community supported agriculture or the circular food economy;

• Work in regenerative land based systems;

• Become a farm advisor in regenerative systems;

• Become a Permaculture designer, tutor or teacher;

• Progress into higher education courses such as; BSc in Regenerative Farming and Food systems at Schumacher College and other degrees in Agriculture and Rural Studies.

Topics that we aim to cover:

• Agroecology

• Agroforestry

• Business Strategy

• Holistic livestock

• Advanced Crop Planning

• Social and Political Movements in Agroecology

• Soil and Plant Ecology

• Water management

Benefits for the farmer

Attending the course yourself or by a member of staff will support the farmer and farm going into transition to a regenerative system. It will give time for a full land based planning and business planning to take place to ensure the transition is a smooth and successful one. Learning from a wide range of tutors, farm visits and from the peer group on the course.

Benefits for the trainee

A year long training gives a REAL and AUTHENTIC training to be a grower, livestock farmer or work in related food business. The Level 4 qualification offers theoretical and practical knowledge in Regenerative Land Based Systems and will give you an excellent basis to start or continue your land based career, with a wide range of skills and knowledge, or transition from conventional farming to regenerative farming systems.

Benefits for the green sector, 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 food businesses to sequester carbon and support biodiversity whilst still producing local food and other produce. Also to create viable food and farming enterprises.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please click on the “Apply Now” button below and complete the application form as best you can, if you need support to complete the form call Rachel Phillips and we will set up a telephone call application process.

rachelphillips@apricotcentre.co.uk
07540445851 Please call only during work hours.