SLE welcomes publication of Rural Skills and Game & Wildlife Apprenticeships - skills research

General News

The 2025 NatureScot-commissioned report, authored by EKOS, examines the persistent underperformance of Scotland’s Rural Skills and Game & Wildlife Management (G&WM) apprenticeships. Despite being introduced in 2016 and 2018 respectively, both apprenticeship pathways have seen consistently low uptake and high non-completion rates - particularly in G&WM, where legal restrictions on under-18s limit practical engagement.

The report identifies several structural challenges: a mismatch between apprenticeship design and the operational realities of small rural and island businesses; inadequate funding and promotion; a shortage of qualified assessors; and significant barriers to entry for young people, including licensing issues and social isolation. Furthermore, the sector lacks diversity, especially in G&WM, where 94% of apprentices are male.

There is also a clear disconnect between national policy ambitions - such as climate action, biodiversity enhancement and land reform - and the current structure and support for land-based apprenticeships. Despite widespread employer support (with 73% citing apprenticeships as key to addressing skills gaps), the system fails to align with workforce needs in areas like deer management, nature restoration and estate maintenance.

To address these issues, two new Modern Apprenticeships in Land and Nature (SCQF Levels 5 and 6) are in development for 2025. These aim to integrate skills across land, estates, game and conservation management. The report recommends a suite of reforms: updated frameworks, pre-apprenticeship pathways for younger learners, enhanced diversity initiatives, improved funding for training providers, the creation of peer networks and closer collaboration with landowners.

Nic MacLeod, Acting Policy Adviser at SLE, said: “We are strongly supportive of efforts to improve apprenticeship uptake and workforce development in the land-based sector. SLE recently assumed the role as Chair of the Game & Wildlife Management Skills Group, which collaborates with a range of stakeholder organisations to promote careers in gamekeeping, wildlife management and rural skills. 

“This report underscores the need for greater investment in education and training provision tailored to the land and nature-based sector. To build a resilient workforce capable of supporting Scotland’s ambitions for climate action, biodiversity and rural economic development, it is essential that education and training in this field are given higher priority. This includes sustained funding for apprenticeship delivery, the development of specialist training resources and stronger pathways from schools and colleges into land-based careers.

“Without dedicated support and recognition of the sector’s importance, Scotland risks a continued shortage of skilled workers at a time when land management and environmental restoration are more critical than ever.”