Skills for Work: Rural Skills National 4 (SCQF level 4)

National 4 Skills for Work: Rural Skills is an introductory qualification. It develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes, needed for work in the land-based industries.

This Rural Skills Course allows candidates to begin to develop some of the basic practical skills necessary to work in most of the land-based disciplines — areas such as agricultural livestock, equine industries, horticulture, landscaping, agricultural crops and animal care. The Course also provides the opportunity to explore the very diverse employment prospects that exist in land-based industries. There is then a choice of a plant or an animal route, where candidates can develop some of the basic skills for the chosen route.

Learners will develop: 

  • understanding of the workplace and the employee's responsibilities 
  • for example time-keeping, appearance, customer care 
  • self-evaluation skills
  • positive attitude to learning
  • flexible approaches to solving problems
  • adaptability and positive attitude to change
  • confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience

At SCQF level 4, learners work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support.

This qualification is available through schools and colleges.

Qualification structure

Qualification Structure Group Award code C239 74 (24 SCQF credit points)

The Skills for Work Course in rural skills at SCQF level 4 consists of three mandatory Units and two optional Units.

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification please refer to the Course Specification document (311 KB).

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How to assess

Assessment in this Course will be based mainly on a range of practical activities, in real or simulated commercial settings, supported by tutor observation checklists, together with candidate self-assessment checks and question sheets to confirm the knowledge and understanding of the tasks that they have carried out.

Portfolio evidence and case studies are used for the Land-based Industries: an Introduction Unit.

Each Unit is supported by a NAB (National Assessment Bank item), which provides an assessment package and exemplifies the national standard.

There is no external assessment for this Course. Learners must successfully complete each Unit to achieve the Course.

Unit specifications provide detailed information on the Evidence Requirements for each Unit. The Unit Support Notes provide information on approaches to assessment for each Unit.

The Units are internally assessed by centres and externally verified by SQA.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Why study this qualification

This qualification is suitable for a wide range of learners, including:

  • pupils from mainstream schools or other education establishments 
  • school leavers 
  • adult returners to education 
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • learners participating in 16+ programmes
  • college students wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in relation to Rural Skills
  • trainees participating in preparation for entering employment
  • individuals involved in voluntary activities

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Employment and progression

Successful learners may progress to: 

  • Scottish Progression Award in Rural Skills at Intermediate 2
  • SVQs/ NVQs in Appropriate Land-based sector vocational areas
  • Programmes in Further Education Colleges
  • vocational training
  • employment

Qualification structure

Qualification Structure Group Award code C239 74 (24 SCQF credit points)

The Skills for Work Course in rural skills at SCQF level 4 consists of three mandatory Units and two optional Units.

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification please refer to the Course Specification document (311 KB).

Unit search