Rural Business career Transition Course

Course Outcome: Successful delegates will have the necessary confidence and understanding to effectively apply their previous career experience to leadership roles in the land-based sector.

A unique gateway course designed specifically for those transitioning from the armed forces into agriculture, food and the wider land-based sector.

The course will feature:

- pre-course individual career coaching session

- 2 week residential course (no teaching at the weekend)

- several study visits to rural businesses

- small study-groups in a course of 20 maximum

- access to the university's specialist library, innovation centre and incubation hub

- expert teaching and mentoring from leading academics  and industry leaders

- opportunities to network with potential employers

- post-course follow-up career coaching session

No former business or agricultural/food experience is required.

STATEMENT REGARDING IMPACT OF COVID-19

The October 2020 course was postponed due to Covid. The course has now been completely re-written and will be relaunched in September 2021.

Expressions of interest are now welcomed; please email:  courses@ruralink.org.uk

Who can attend?

Any former or serving member of the armed forces or spouse who is interested in developing a follow-on career in management within the land-based sector.

What is the entry standard?

We do not expect to require any specific academic standards for personnel who have served in a leadership role at any rank. Delegates will be asked to work in small teams and may be asked to present group work to the wider course. If this may be challenging to you, please email courses@ruralink.org.uk with your specific query.

Who is accrediting this course?

The ROYAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY which was graded in the top 10 UK universities in 2019.

Is this just for army officers?

No!  This course is suitable for anyone who has served in HM Forces and is considering a follow-on career in agri-food, farming, horticulture and related rural business. We are also keen that spouses apply.

What is the course fee?

Just £2400 for the whole 2 weeks plus  access individual career coaching.

Can I pay with ELCs?

Yes, the course is eligible for a single ELC payment. This means you will pay £400 and claim £2000. The course is listed on ELCAS website under RAU Provider number 1718 as "Rural Business Career Gateway". 

Is there accommodation?

Yes, the course will be fully residential with three meals available daily. The subsistence element will be charged separately to enable reimbursement via JPA. This is in addition to the course fee. The university accommodation is single ensuite rooms; you can find out more here: http://publications.rau.ac.uk/accommodation/6-7/ Unless you live very locally, you are recommended to accept this accommodation in order to facilitate course cohesion and ready access to the library and evening events.

Can I go on to further study?

Yes, the RAU is working to ensure that this course will earn credit points towards further online and residential study you may wish to access as your new career progresses.

Why haven't I heard about this before?

Recent research has confirmed that veterans find it very difficult to access information and suitable courses about land-based careers and education. It's simply a blind spot in the resettlement system. This course is new and is one of several that will plug the gap.