Hands-on experiential learning at Lochview Rural Training
Proposal code:
THC-2026-08-205
PATHWAYS will support NEET, ASN and low-confidence young people through 1-to-1 and small-group support, building confidence and skills to reengage with learning and progress towards employment.
Estimated Cost
£20,800
Lochview Rural Training (LVRT) is a charity and social enterprise based on a working croft where there are acres of land, farm animals, farm machinery, growing areas, a poly tunnel and learning areas. PATHWAYS (to Learning and Employment) will support young people who are NEET, have additional support needs (ASN), or have low confidence and are at risk of disengaging from education, training or employment.
Funding will enable LVRT to provide flexible 1-to-1 and small-group support centred around outdoor experiential learning. Young people will learn through practical, hands-on activities on the croft, including caring for animals, working with farm machinery where appropriate, growing and planting, maintaining outdoor areas, practical land-based tasks and other seasonal activities. Activities will be adapted to individual abilities, interests and confidence levels, allowing young people to learn by doing, experience success and gradually take on greater responsibility.
The project will begin with individual engagement, allowing each young person to build a trusting relationship with a member of staff, identify their strengths, interests, barriers and aspirations, and develop an individual progression plan. 1-to-1 activities will focus on building confidence, communication, resilience, routine and practical skills. As confidence develops, young people will be supported to move into small groups of 2–4, providing opportunities to develop teamwork, communication and social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The project will develop transferable employability skills including timekeeping, reliability, following instructions, problem-solving, working safely, responsibility and completing tasks. Young people will be supported to recognise their achievements and understand how the skills developed through outdoor practical learning can transfer into further education, vocational training, volunteering and employment. Individual support will continue as young people identify and work towards their next steps.
Young people in rural Sutherland face significant barriers to education, training and employment. Limited local opportunities, transport difficulties, social isolation, low confidence, additional support needs and previous negative experiences of education can make it difficult for some young people to engage with mainstream provision. A practical outdoor environment offers an alternative way to learn, particularly for young people who do not thrive in classroom-based settings.
LVRT provides a unique local environment where young people can learn outdoors, develop practical skills and make a meaningful contribution. Working alongside staff on a working croft gives activities a clear purpose and enables young people to see tangible results from their efforts. The approach is person-centred and allows progression at an appropriate pace, rather than expecting young people to immediately move into a conventional learning or employment environment.
PATHWAYS is planned as a multi-year project, recognising that young people who have experienced barriers to education or employment may need time, consistency and trusted relationships to make meaningful progress. A longer-term approach will allow young people to progress at their own pace, consolidate new skills and build confidence without the pressure of an artificially short intervention. This will give each young person the best opportunity to reach their full potential and progress towards a positive and sustainable destination.
PATHWAYS aligns with the priorities of the Area Place Plan by supporting young people to develop skills, improve confidence and wellbeing, access opportunities and remain connected to their community. It will help build a more resilient rural community by supporting young people who are at risk of becoming disconnected from learning and employment to develop the confidence and skills needed to progress.
The project will provide increased confidence, self-esteem and motivation; improved communication, teamwork and social skills; greater engagement with learning and practical activity; development of practical, vocational and employability skills; improved ability to identify personal strengths and set achievable goals; and increased readiness to progress into further learning, training, volunteering or employment.
Progress will be measured through individual plans, attendance, participation, regular reviews, observations of skills development and feedback from young people and relevant partners. Evidence of progression will include increased independence, taking on new tasks and responsibilities, moving from 1-to-1 into small-group activity and progressing towards identified positive destinations.
LVRT has extensive experience of supporting young people through practical, land-based activities and has identified a need for flexible provision for those who struggle to engage with mainstream learning. Community relationships and support networks have been developed, and the PATHWAYS delivery model has been designed around individual progression from 1-to-1 support through to small-group activity and onward progression.
The next steps are to secure funding, confirm staffing and referrals, identify participating young people, complete individual needs assessments and establish personalised progression plans before delivery begins. All appropriate safeguarding, risk assessment and operational requirements are a;ready in place.
PATHWAYS (to Learning and Employment) will provide consistent support and establish a sustainable, multi-year programme for participating young people.
The anticipated start date is October 2026, with the project initially running until September 2027 and continuing as a multi-year programme subject to funding.
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