Pathways to Rural Work

Pathways to Rural Work (P2RW) is our core initiative.

It is a progressive programme that increases awareness of and access to rural opportunities, qualifications, training and careers to help reduce the attainment gap through providing greater school to work transition opportunities for pupils and students from all backgrounds and abilities.

Keep up to date with our latest work on our News page.

We understand that scotland’s rural economy is not defined by one single sector.

Pathways to Rural Work supports all industries that makeup our rural landscapes.

Pathways to Rural Work is a cross-sector initiative designed to support access into the full spectrum of rural careers—from traditional land and sea-based industries to environmental conservation and recreation and adventure. It recognises that Scotland’s rural economy is not defined by a single sector, but by the dynamic interaction between environmental stewardship, economic activity, and social wellbeing.

P2RW follows 3 phases:

Awareness & Engagement

In this phase we help organise in school and in-the-field educational and career pathway events, teacher training and Residentials.

We understand this stage is crucial to introducing and inspiring young people to the rural and outdoor sectors. Without interest in the industries, it is difficult to deliver the following phases…

Skills & Work Experience

In this phase we help organise work placements and training to help young people be “work ready” for when they transition into employment.

We coordinate workshops, accredited training and certificates in both core skills and practical rural skills. With our broad network of contacts we help link young people with work experience employers.

Transition from School to Work or Further Education

In this phase we help promote apprenticeships, further education courses, and opportunities to transition directly into work.

Our Rural Employability Scheme aims to enable young people to successfully achieve this sometimes difficult and complex stage.

Unlike fragmented or sector-specific programmes, Pathways to Rural Work takes a holistic approach.

It actively supports people from all backgrounds and abilities, builds partnerships between businesses and agencies, and embeds progression routes from secondary school through to long-term careers. This ensures not only entry into rural work, but retention, development, and community sustainability.

The impact is a more resilient rural workforce – helping to sustain Scotland’s landscapes, industries, and communities for the future.

For further information on the initiative read our Pathways to Rural Work (P2RW) Strategy.

So what is involved?

📢 Awareness and Engagement Events – Inspiring young people by immersing them with the countryside and helping them explore their interests in rural careers.

🤸🏻Training – Creating opportunities to develop skills. This can be core skills training and vocational training including industry-recognised rural certifications.

🧑🏻‍🌾Work Experience – Providing access to taster sessions and meaningful placement opportunities within the rural sector.

🌱Mentoring – Supporting young people to build confidence while providing valuable industry insight and guidance, enabling them to navigate and progress along their chosen pathways.

🌍Access to Careers – Connecting young people with employers. Promoting career and apprenticeship opportunities.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏽Partner Collaboration – Building strong relationships and strategic partnerships across the rural sector network to support shared goals and create meaningful opportunities.

Regional Delivery

We currently deliver our Pathways to Rural Work initiative through 4 regions where we have funding to support Regional Coordinators. This is expanding and changing over time as we respond to the needs and wants of schools and rural-related businesses. If your region is not represented here, please get in touch to chat about what we can do to support you.

Explore our regions of delivery below:

Cairngorms

Established in 2021, we have had a regional coordinator working throughout the area and secondary school catchments of the National Park.

Each year we work with over 350 young people across 5 secondary schools. Working closely with Developing Young Workforce, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Balmoral Estate and many other local businesses.

Our work in the Cairngorms is supported by the National Lottery and the CNPA.

“For some learners, CLS has provided opportunities that they would not otherwise access—hands-on, outdoor, and experiential learning that allows them to succeed on their own terms. Practical courses such as the tractor training have been especially impactful.”

Suman Sharma-Mulgrew, Guidance Teacher at Kingussie High School

Dumfries & Galloway

Established in 2025, our regional coordinator started deliverly of a targeted post 16 years old programme partnered with Dumfries & Galloway Local Employability and Skills Partnership (DG Works). The work in this area is focused on helping young people access work sectors in the rural environment which interests them.

The newest of delivery regions for CLS is off to a great start with strong partnership development and rural skills training already being implemented.

Tayside

Established in 2018, we have had a regional coordinator working with secondary schools throughout Perth, Kinross, Dundee and Angus.

Each year we work with over 700 young people within 7 secondary schools. Working closely with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and various estates throughout the area.

Our work in Tayside is supported by The Gannochy Trust, Lethendy Charitable Trust, Northwood Charitable Trust & The Royal Company of Archers.

“Thank you so much for leading a workshop at our recent partners day. Our young people had a brilliant experience and are still talking about it. They demonstrated many skills across the challenge and were able to connect these skills to the world of work. I really hope to continue to work with you in the future.” Perth Grammar School

North West Highlands

Established in 2020, we have had a regional coordinator working throughout the area of the North West Highlands supporting rural secondary schools from Gairloch up to Kinlochbervie.

Each year we work with over 150 young people within 3 secondary schools. Working closely with Developing Young Workforce, the North Highland Initiative (NHI) and Reay Forest.

Our work in the NW Highlands is supported by the Westminster Foundation and NHI.

Pathways to Rural Work drove Geography class attainment at Gairloch High School from 55% to 95%. “The success and attainment went through the roof.” Emma Wotherspoon, Geography Teacher at Gairloch High School.

Projects Within Pathways to Rural Work

Within our Pathways to Rural Work initiative we have various different projects running alongside out regional delivery. Many of these are offered across Scotland to schools, teaching and careers staff and to rural related businesses. Click on the projects below to find out more: