SAC Training Courses

Training courses range from vocational skills training to professional development updates across a broad range of subject areas helping you to gain skills, knowledge and understanding to help you develop your business.

All Terrain Vehicles - Basic

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:23:30 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 2 day course
Programme:

2 day LANTRA Awards certified course covering:

Preventing accidents
Instruments and controls
Basic safe driving
Practical exercise
What is an ATV?
Daily checks
Start and Stop
Possible problems
Assessment

Qualifications Obtained: Lantra Awards Certificate

Arboricultural Association's Technician's Certificate

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:51:12 +0100

Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh. Still to be confirmed
Course Length: Approximately 1 day per fortnight ( Fifteen full day sessions)
Programme:

Level 3 academic qualification in Arboriculture.  Assessed by examination in June  (theory) and September (management practical).  Award managed by ABC accredited by Arboricultural Associaltion.

Price on application 

Qualifications Needed: Advised to attain a level 2 Qualification first e.g. RFS Certificate in Arboriculture
Qualifications Obtained: Technician's Certificate in Arboriculture

Basic Chainsaw

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:23:35 +0100

Location: Locations in Central Scotland to be confirmed. Course in the Aberdeen area will be offered on 14th - 18th September 2009
Course Length: All courses are five day course plus two days assessment
Programme:

Maintenance, safety and felling trees up to guidebar length (380mm/15")  Covers snedding, crosscutting and hand takedown techniques for dealing with hung up trees. 

£995 per trainee inclusive of assessment fees

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Units CS30 - Maintain and Operate the Chainsaw and CS31 - Fell and Process Small Trees

Basic Tree Climbing

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:07:49 +0100

Location: To be confirmed Course 19th - 23rd October 2009 to be held at Aberdeen
Course Length: 5 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Learn up to date climbing techniques and keep up to date with current legislation relating to climbing and the use of modern rope access and rescue techniques. Assessment for NPTC Award Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue (Formerly Unit CS 38).            

£695 per trainee. 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS38 - Climb trees and Perform Aerial Rescue

Basic Tree Survey

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:42 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day course with integrated assessment
Programme:

This new LANTRA award provides guidance on data collection and hazard awareness, while surveying trees.  One day course aimed at arborists and non-arborists alike.

£120.00 per trainee

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra (ITA) Certificate in Tree Surveying

BASIS BETA Amenity (Biodiversity & Environmental Training for Advisers)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:42:59 +0100

Location: SAC, Craibstone. Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA. This location in Scotland has good access by rail, road and air. There may be on-campus accommodation, alternatively there is reasonably priced bed and breakfast, guest house or hotel accommodation in the town of Dyce nearby. An accommodation list is available. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER
Course Length: The BETA Agriculture course focuses on protecting biodiversity and water quality. The course, revision and exams lasts for 3 ½ days in total. For those on the BASIS Professional Register, CPD points are available for the BETA course. Whilst SAC reserves the right to amend any scheduled event or to cancel for whatever reason, we shall endeavour to run all courses as scheduled. A minimum number of candidates is required due to minimum numbers being set for BASIS exams.
Programme:

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The programme includes the following:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in the use of Environmental Information Sheets in the selection of pesticides
exercises in the use of the Crop Protection Management Plan for pesticide use
revision exercises

Qualifications Needed: The course is suitable for candidates with background knowledge and experience in arable farming. For individuals on the BASIS Professional Register, CPD points are available. Other suitably experienced candidates not on the BASIS Professional Register are also welcome to apply.
Qualifications Obtained: BETA

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture) - Training Course

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:39:41 +0100

Location: The SAC BASIS training for the BASIS FSTS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture) course runs in Edinburgh, Scotland. This location in Scotland is convenient for access from other parts of Scotland or from northern England with good access by rail, road and air. There is plenty of inexpensive bed and breakfast, guest house of hotel accommodation within walking distance of SAC at King's Buildings. An accommodation list is available. The SAC BASIS training for the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture) is run by SAC in Edinburgh over the winter period. Minimum recommended attendance is 11 days. Note that a project is undertaken that is additional to the training and exams. Attendance at the Pre-BASIS course is optional, the alternative being to study the Pre-BASIS material online.
Course Length: Pre-BASIS Course, 30 September - 1 October 2009 (attendance optional) BASIS Husbandry, 16-20 November, 2009 BASIS Safety & Legislation, 25-29 Januayr 2010 BASIS Revision Day & Exam, 24-25 February 2010 (note the revision and written papers are on the 24th, viva exams on the 25th - extending to the 26th if we have more than 12 candidates)
Programme:

Pre-BASIS Course - this course will help candidates focus on what they need to study in order to become BASIS qualified. The BASIS project will be discussed and introductory material on weeds, pests and diseases and on ICM.

Husbandry Course - this is an intensive course that focuses particularly on control of weeds, pests and diseases and also covers the importance of accurate recognition and an appreciation of the biology of weeds, pests and diseases.

Safety and Legislation Course -  covers pesticide composition, groups, active ingredients, formulation and environmental and safety aspects of handling, transport and application of pesticides.

Revision & Exams - two days of revision and written and viva exams. 

Qualifications Needed: To successfully complete the course you will need some previous knowledge of crop production and crop protection together with practical experience in the field. If you wish to discuss your suitability for the course, please get in touch.
Qualifications Obtained: BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection - a nationally recognised qualification for practitioners offering advice on the safe use of pesticides on agricultural crops.

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) - training course

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:45:37 +0100

Location: The SAC BASIS training for the BASIS FSTS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) course runs in Edinburgh, Scotland. This location in Scotland is convenient for access from other parts of Scotland or from northern England with good access by rail, road and air. There is plenty of inexpensive bed and breakfast, guest house of hotel accommodation within walking distance of SAC at King's Buildings. An accommodation list is available. The coruse takes place at SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG. This is on the south side of the city on a landscaped university campus. It is adjacent to a golf course and there is a local nature reserve nearby. The course and exams have been brought forward so the training and exams are completed by the third week in February. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER
Course Length: The course is in blocks: 23 - 27 November 2009 18 - 22 January 2010 17 - 18 February 2010 (revision and exams) Whilst SAC reserves the right to amend any scheduled event or to cancel for whatever reason, we shall endeavour to run all courses as scheduled. A minimum number of candidates is required due to minimum numbers being set for BASIS exams.
Programme:

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) has been approved by Ministers to meet the requirements of Schedule 2 of the Control of Pesticide Regulations for those involved in the sale, advice and supply of pesticides. The course is divided into three study periods in order to allow time for self study and preparation for the exams in February.

The course programme includes:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in weed, pest and disease identification
exercises in the use of spray equipment
revision exercises

The programme allows for those already BASIS qualified to take individual skills area modules if required. 

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to contractors, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers, consultants, sports turf managers, local authority managers and others with an interest in giving advice or in the sale of pesticides to the amenity sector. It is important to have some practical experience. If you wish to discuss your suitability for the course, please get in touch.
Qualifications Obtained: BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) - this is a nationally recognised qualification.

Brushcutters & Trimmers - Lantra Awards ITA

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:42:58 +0000

Location: SAC Ayr Campus, Auchincruive Estate
Course Length: 2 days
Programme: A two-day Lantra Awards accredited training course covering Health & Safety, machine preparation and maintenance and the safe operation of a brushcutter.
Qualifications Needed: No previous experience required.
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra Awards Certificate

Brushwood Chippers

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:33 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course and one day assessment
Programme:

Instruction on maintenance, transportation, starting/stopping and operation of a power-fed Brushwood Chipper. Clarification of current legislation and required safety features. Includes assessment for NPTC Unit AO6.

 Cost £250 per candidate 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC AO6 - Certificate of Competence in Brushwood Chipper Operations

Business Management Training

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:48:34 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Four 4-hour modules at weekly intervals.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course structure comprises modules covering:

understanding and analysing farm accounts
budgeting and cashflow preparation
financial control and investment appraisal
business planning

The modules are organised at weekly intervals to give continuity and sufficient time for homework. All the modules involve two trainers in the delivery to 8-12 trainees. Two trainers are necessary due to the interactive nature of the course and the extensive use of practical exercises.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estates managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the basics of farm accounts and their interpretation
be able to analyse a set of accounts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a business
recognise common business problems and identify potential solutions
prepare a whole farm gross margin budget and cashflow
undertake simple investment appraisals including partial budgeting
recognise their personal and business objectives and have the skills and confidence to develop these into a strategic business plan

Certificate in Arboriculture (RFS)

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:17:39 +0100

Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh. Still to be confirmed
Course Length: 20 afternoons
Programme:

This is a level 2 award.  The course prepares candidates for the 3 written modules, which are assessed by external set exams.  To obtain the full award, a range of NPTC competency tests are also required.

Price on application 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Certificate in Arboriculture

Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting for Occasional Users

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:32:49 +0100

Location: Venue - Central Scotland and Craibstone, Aberdeen
Course Length: Two day course with integrated assessment
Programme:

Training and integrated assessment covering basic maintenance and crosscutting skills.  Aimed at the occasional user  There is no progression route from the LANTRA occasional user scheme to the Professional scheme

£295 per trainee   

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra (ITA) Certificate in Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting

Composting For Smallholders And Farmers

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:41:17 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: This course is run over a 4 to 7 hour timescale depending on the amount of detail which the client requires.
Programme:

The objective of this course is to provide practical guidance on how composting works and how to make and use compost on farms and holdings.

It covers the following topics:

Definitions of compost
What can be composted and where to get feedstocks
Composting systems
PAS100 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations
The composting process and how to make it work effectively
How to use compost effectively

These sessions are a mixture of lectures, group work and practical sessions.  The aim is to provide a background to compost production and use upon which the practicalities can be discussed. Sessions are currently delivered mainly indoors in a classroom situation, but access to a farm or holding is essential in order to deliver the practical aspects of the course. This course is currently delivered by Audrey Litterick, occasionally in conjunction with an external consultant.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Qualifications Obtained: By the end of the course trainees will have a comprehensive view of all the key issues relating to making compost, optimising the composting process and using composts on land. They will also have gained an understanding of the science behind the composting process.

Converting To Organic Farming

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:13:52 +0100

Location: TBC
Course Length: Each course lasts for one day.
Programme:

These participative one-day courses, led by SAC’s Senior Organic Farming Specialist, Richard Huxtable, will focus on the practical implications of the organic standards and how the conversion on your farm should be planned in detail. They are aimed at farmers who are currently considering organic farming or those who have recently started the conversion process.

For further information, please contact Richard Huxtable, SAC Senior Organic Farming Specialist, T: 01224 711072, E: richard.huxtable@sac.co.uk or your local SAC FBS Office.

Developing Opportunities For Farm Diversification

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:40:18 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

This one-day course covers seven subject areas:

Assessing Available Resources (physical and human)
Understanding and Analysing Farm Accounts
Identifying Potential Enterprises
Carrying out Feasibility Studies (including market research, marketing plans and preparing a business plan)
Presenting an Application for Financial Assistance
Statutory Requirements (e.g. planning, environmental health)
Customer Service

This interactive course is designed to be run with 4-5 trainees (one trainer) or 6-10 trainees (two trainers).  A number of practical exercises is included.  Additional input from representatives of banks, enterprise companies and customer service providers is also built into the course.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers, estate owners and managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

be able to identify available resources and  how best they could be used
understand how to analyse an existing business’s financial strengths and weaknesses
be able to use techniques such as SWOT analysis to assess and rank potential ventures
understand the principles of feasibility studies and business plans
have an awareness of how to seek funding
be aware of some statutory requirements for diversified activities
understand the importance of good customer service

Dismantling Operations

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:38:11 +0100

Location: Venue to be arranged
Course Length: 5 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

How to deal with tree removals in confined spaces and over vulnerable structures.  An introduction to modern, efficient rigging and dismantling techniques.

Cost £925.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31 and 39
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS41 Dismantling Operations

Drystane Dyking

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:47:41 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive Estate, Ayr
Course Length: Two days - 09.15 - 16.30 hrs.
Programme:

A largely practical two-day introductory course which will engage participants in the principles of drystane dyking and in constructing a drystane dyke or feature.

Health & safety
Principles of drystane dyking
Sorting stone
Construction

As a largely practical course participants should attend suitably attired for working outdoors. Safety boots or equivalent are required.

NOTE: Places are limited and are offered on a first come basis. Full payment should accompany your booking.

Qualifications Needed: The courses are open to anyone interested in learning dyking skills, whether as part of their job or as a recreational activity.
Qualifications Obtained: There is no assessment associated with this course. Participants will receive a Training Certificate. Progression Opportunities exist for progressing training to more advanced dyking techniques and principles.

Efficient Fertiliser Use

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:57:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours
Programme:

The course objective is to maximise yields while maintaining soil fertility.  This will be achieved by replacing the nutrients that a crop actually removes, once nutrient levels in the soil are within the optimum range.

The course includes:

details of principles of balance sheet manuring for P and K
calculation of off-takes by different crops
fertiliser allowances for manures and slurry
practical examples

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the principles of balance sheet manuring
know the optimum soil status to aim to achieve
be able to calculate how much P and K crops are removing
be able to calculate how much P and K manures and slurries are supplying
understand how plants make use of P and K from fertilisers and in the soil

Excavator 180 degrees below/above 5 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:24:23 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: 5 day course
Programme: A 5 day CPCS certified course covering: Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator's handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation Carry out all pre-use and running checks Set the excavator for site and road travel Travel over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction Set the machine to excavate Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers Grade, spread and level differing types of materials (excavators over 5 tonnes - using a multi-purpose front bucket) Remove and re-attach buckets Place the excavator in and out of service condition Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter

Excavator 360 Degree Crawler and Wheeled above 10 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:25:16 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 5 day course
Programme: A 5 day CPCS certified course covering: Indentify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator's handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation Carry out all pre-use and running checks Configure the excavator for site travel Travel the machine over varying types of terrain including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines Manoeuvre the excavator in confined areas Set the machine to excavate Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers Grade, spread and level different types of terrain Remove and re-attach buckets Place the machine in and out-of service condition Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter

Excavator 360 Degree Crawler and Wheeled below 10 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:26:31 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 5 day course
Programme:

A 5 day CPCS Certified course covering:

Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges
Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator's handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation
Carry out all pre-use and running checks
Configure the excavator for site travel
Travel the machine over varying types of terrain including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines
Manoeuvre the excavator in confined areas
Set the machine to excavate
Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types
Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers
Grade, spread and level different types of terrain
Remove and re-attach buckets
Place the machine in and out of service condition
Explain the loading and unloading prodedures on and off a transporter

Extension Methodology

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:59:39 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Flexible, depending on clients' needs.
Programme:

The course objective is to assist knowledge transfer specialists in developing participatory client-centred approaches to providing advice, training and guidance to farmers and rural communities.

Typically, the course last 3-4 weeks and has four main themes:

Farm business management – to help put technical advice in a commercial context
Extension methodology – to emphasise the role of communication in bringing about change
Operational procedures and extension programmes – to illustrate the importance of planning and of having  clear objectives and targets
Extension systems, government policy and rural development – to examine alternative systems to the “Scottish Model” and assess extension service options for countries in economic transition

The course is run using participatory methods and includes case studies, farm visits and a one-week work placement in a SAC Farm Business Services office.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at advisers in middle income and developing countries, researchers, academics and Euro Counsellors.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will be able to:

Analyse farm accounts to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the businesses
Design and deliver training sessions using participatory training techniques
Conduct presentations summarising key messages
Formulate extension programmes
Manage discussion groups
Write reports evaluating the Scottish approach to agricultural extension and identifying areas for application within their own country.

FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification & Training Scheme)

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:17:28 +0100

Location: SAC Aberdeen, Crainbstone Estate, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA
Course Length: The course lasts for one full week. The exams are at the end of the week. Whilst SAC reserves the right to amend any scheduled event or to cancel for whatever reason, we shall endeavour to run all courses as scheduled. A minimum number of candidates is required due to minimum numbers being set for BASIS exams.
Programme:

The programme covers the following:

The soil in relation to plant nutrition
Organic nutrient sources
The nature and properties of fertilisers
Crop nutients in plants and the factors influencing nutrient management planning
Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
Application of fertilisers
Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and requirements to protect the environment

Qualifications Needed: A background knowledge of farming and arable crop production is required for this course.
Qualifications Obtained: FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification & Training Scheme) Certificate

Farm Business Benchmarking

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:45:04 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Three tutorials of 4 hours each, with each tutorial at weekly intervals.
Programme:

The course objective is to introduce the concept of benchmarking to farm business managers  and how to use the information to improve business profitability.  The focus of the course is whole business benchmarking with the emphasis on analysis at an individual enterprise level.

The course is designed around three tutorial sessions of four hours each.  Trainees will be expected to do some work on their own to obtain maximum benefit from the course.  The tutorials are run at weekly intervals to give continuity and sufficient time for homework.  The third and fourth sessions will have two tutors as the 8-12 trainees are expected to benchmark their own business and may need individual support.  Trainees are provided with relevant comparative data from the Farm Accounts Survey.

Qualifications Needed: The training is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estates managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

have improved understanding of their accounts
be able to recognise their business’s strengths and weaknesses
be able to compare their business’s financial performance with that of other similar businesses
have developed ideas to improve profitability

Fell Medium Sized Trees

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:50:37 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: Three day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Felling trees up to twice guidebar length (760mm/30"). Also covers snedding, crosscutting and mechanical takedown techniques for dealing with hung up trees. Training and assessment for NPTC Unit CS 32.  

£695.00 per trainee. 

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold Units CS30, 31
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS 32 - Fell and Process Medium Sized Trees

Fertiliser Advisers Certification And Training Scheme (FACTS)

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:09:52 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: 4 days.
Programme:

The course objective is to cover the FACTS syllabus (which relates to fertilisers and their use in agriculture/horticulture) in sufficient detail to allow clients to sit the FACTS exam and covers the following topics:

The soil in relation to plant nutrition
Organic nutrient sources
The  nature and properties of fertilisers
Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing the amount of fertiliser required
Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
Application of fertilisers
Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the environment

These sessions consist wholly of lectures and revision sessions. Plenty of time is allowed for student feedback and questions.  The aim is to provide the students with all the information and reference material they need to pass the FACTS exam, with a good range of background material in order to increase their knowledge of the subjects concerned. This course is currently delivered by staff members within SAC Environmental, Selec Services and Education Division.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at those who sell fertilisers or provide advice relating to fertilisers.
Qualifications Obtained: By the end of the course trainees will have covered the entire FACTS syllabus. They may elect to sit the exam immediately after the course or defer sitting the exam until a later date.

Health Management for Game Birds

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:32:02 +0100

Location: SAC Veterinary Services, Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: The course starts at 9.30 am and will be finished by 4.30 pm
Programme:

The course is aimed at Veterinary Surgeons with an interest in game bird health and welfare. The course contains a large practical component to aid vets on day to day diagnostics. A half day of presentations will be followed by a half day of hands on practical work in a post mortem facility.

Course Content

A comprehensive look at health problems in game birds
Features of disease management and control
Parasitism
Recent topical issues

Tutors

Tom Pennycott, BVM&S, Cert PMP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Ayr)
Jo Gidlow, BVSc, Cert SHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, St Boswells)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
Due to the practical nature of the course places are limited to 12 delegates

Qualifications Needed: Qualified veterinary surgeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Management for the Pig Herd

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:27:59 +0100

Location: SAC Veterinary Services, Mill of Craibstone, Aberdeen
Course Length: The course will start at 9.30 am and finish by 4.30 pm
Programme:

This course is aimed at Veterinary Surgeons with an interest in routine pig health management and will focus on current health issues and approaches to prevention and controlling problems.   The course will be of great benefit to Veterinary Surgeons who have limited opportunity to engage in pig work.

Course Content

Update on disease issues
Disease elimination strategies
Diagnostic approaches
Practical session on post mortem material and case discussions

Tutors

Jill Thomson, BVSc, PhD, DipECVP, Cert PM, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Manager)

Catriona Ritchie, BVMS, MSc Livestock Health & Production, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Aberdeen)

Ian Mortimer, BVSc, MRCVS (Quality Meat Scotland)

Additional Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
Due to the practical nature of this course, places are limited to 12 delegates, please book early to avoid disappointment.
In the interests of biosecurity, please bring clean rubber boots, disposable overalls will be provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Planning for the Beef Cow Herd

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:16:04 +0100

Location: Holiday Inn, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 6UA
Course Length: Two day course - 1st/2nd September 2010. The course starts at 10.00 a.m. on day one and finishes at 3.45 p.m. on day two.
Programme:

Practical sessions will be included.

The challenge for veterinary surgeons involved in herd health planning is to provide a service that improves or safeguards the productivity of their clients’ herds. To succeed the process must be dynamic and interactive, but above all progressive to ensure that the herd health plan is a living document of continued relevance to the herd and not merely a box ticking exercise.

To that end this course will cover the production principles that govern profitability of the beef cow herd and focus on data collection and analysis. The interactive health plan programme as a tool for this will be explored.

Course Content

The factors that determine production efficiency in the beef cow herd.
Generating production targets that are relevant for the individual client.
An introduction to risk management and its application to health planning.
The web-based health planning concept and how it will work for beef herds.
Analysis of production data and problem solving.
Preventive programmes for the infectious diseases that have greatest impact on productivity of the herd.

Tutors

George Caldow, BVM&S, MSc, Cert CHP, Dip ECBHM, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, St Boswells)
Iain Riddell, BSc (SAC Select Services, Perth)
Colin Penny, BVM&S, Cert CHP, DBR, Dip ECBHM, MRCVS(RDSVS)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons.
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Planning for the Dairy Herd

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:16:15 +0100

Location: Holiday Inn, Corstorphine, Edinburgh
Course Length: Two-day course 22nd/23rd September 2010. The course starts at 10.00am on day one and finishes 3.45pm on day two
Programme:

This course is aimed at Veterinary Surgeons with an interest in dairy herd health and will focus on the key production diseases that affect herd performance and how they can be monitored and managed through health planning.

Course Content Will Include

Determining the components of dairy herd profitability and how health issues affect them.
Simple tools to assess herd fertility status and the effects of veterinary intervention.
How to get involved in proactive nutritional monitoring and assessing clinical and subclinical metabolic disease.
Health planning to limit lameness
Mastitis and milk quality targets, diagnoses and preventative strategies
Managing infectious diseases in large and expanding dairy herds

Tutors

Alistair Macrae, BVM&S, PhD, Cert SHP, Cert CHP, MRCVS (RDSVS)
Colin Mason, BVM&S, BSc, Cert CHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Dumfries)
Jimmy Goldie, BSc Hons (SAC Select Services, Dumfries)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary sugeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Industrial Masted Lift Truck

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:32:17 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course
Programme: A 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course covering: Working in the construction industry Introduction to industrial masted lift trucks Lift truck stability and counter balance principles Daily and take-over maintenance Rated capacity and de-rating Lorries and trailers Operating on rough terrain, roads and public highways Controls, instruments and basis driving Driving and manoeuvring Operating with an empty pallet Handling loaded pallets and stacking/de-stacking Difficult loads and conditions Fitting and operating attachments Assessment

Introduction To Computers On The Farm - Elementary Level

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:37:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day course.
Programme:

An elementary level introduction to the functions and benefits of Information Technology for those with little or no experience of computers. The course is designed to give participants a grasp of the basic components of computer hardware and standard applications.

The course also aims to assist individuals not already using IT systems to understand computer terminology and specifications, to enable them to identify computer specifications and software which would meet their own  requirements within the farm business. The session is delivered through simple practical exercises to provide trainees confidence to use a computer, including emails and the internet, as well as discussing various agricultural record keeping software.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and family members involved in the farm business.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course trainees will be able to understand the relevance of using a computer in the farm business and recognise the advantages that computerised farm accounts and record keeping can provide.

This course leads into SAC’s next level of computing course:  Introduction to word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Introduction To Protected Cropping

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:48:32 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide practical guidance on how to grow protected crops on smallholdings and farms.

This course is run over a single day and covers the following topics:

Introduction – what course will cover  
Types of protection and how to use them (with light, heat and irrigation) to extend the season  
Crop choice - what to grow
Crop rotation – crop diversity in space and time
Ground preparation and maintenance under protection
Fertilisers under protection (are they different from those used outdoors?)
Controlling the environment for protected crops
Pests and diseases – identification, prevention and control

These sessions are a mixture of lectures, group work and practical sessions.  The aim is to provide a background to protected crop production and to discuss the challenges they involve in a practical environment. Sessions are currently delivered mainly indoors in a classroom situation, but access to a farm or holding is essential in order to deliver the practical aspects of the course. This course is currently delivered by Audrey Litterick, in conjunction an external consultant or with an SAC staff member from another Division.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at small scale horticultural producers, crofters and farmers.
Qualifications Obtained: By the end of the course trainees will have a comprehensive view of all the key practical issues relating to protected crop production.

Introduction To Ruminant Feeding And Nutrition

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:56:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: One day
Programme:

The course objective is to provide guidance on background nutrition and practical feeding of beef cattle and sheep.

This course is run over a single day and covers the following topics:

ruminant digestion of feed components
energy requirements
protein requirements
composition of common feeds
interpreting silage reports
feeding suckler cows
feeding beef cattle
feeding pregnant ewes

The course includes lectures, discussion and practical sessions. The aim is to provide the participants with a nutritional background to the practical feeding of cattle and sheep.  Comprehensive notes are provided.

Approx. cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant =£30)  

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and stockpersons.
Qualifications Obtained: By gaining an understanding of the basics of ruminant nutrition, the participants will be in a better position to make decisions about feed use on farm.

Introduction To Small-Scale Horticulture For Crofters And Small Farmers

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:26:53 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide practical guidance on how to grow horticultural crops on smallholdings and farms and covers the following topics:

Introduction
Crop choice
Site and soil assessment
Plant propagation
Crop nutrition – fertilisers and nutrient budgeting
Crop rotation, crop timing and crop spacing
Crop protection
Irrigation and cultivations
Protected cropping and extending the season
Development of markets

These sessions are a mixture of lectures, group work and practical sessions.  The aim is to provide a background to horticultural crop production and to discuss the challenges they involve in a practical environment. Sessions are currently delivered mainly indoors in a classroom situation, but access to a farm or holding is essential in order to deliver the practical aspects of the course. This course is currently delivered by Audrey Litterick, in conjunction with an SAC soils and nutrient management specialist from another division.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at small-scale horticultural producers, crofters and farmers.
Qualifications Obtained: By the end of the course trainees will have a comprehensive view of all the key practical issues relating to small-scale horticultural crop production.

Introduction To Word Processing, Spreadsheets And Databases

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:23:55 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Two days.
Programme:

Course participants will develop an understanding of standard computer packages to produce documents and run packages which will aid farm business management and record keeping.

This is a two day introductory course for people who have basic  IT skills.  Practical sessions will assist participants to understand the concepts of the 3 standard applications and will be able to produce a range of documents and records proficiently.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and family members involved in the farm business.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

open, save, close and retrieve a file
produce a quality work processed document
edit, format, spell check and print a document
use tables to present information
layout a spreadsheet to perform tasks such as budgets and cashflows
understand the use of formulae to carry out calculations
present the results as a graph or chart

Lambing For Beginners: Lambing Management & Skills

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:03:12 +0000

Location: Drummondhill, Stratherrick Road, Inverness IV2 4JZ. Tel: 01463 233266
Course Length: 9.30 - 15.30
Programme:

Morning: indoor theory session covering:

preparation for lambing
feeds
veterinary matters
equipment
care of lambs

Afternoon: outdoor practical session using a lambing simulator to practice and learn lambing techniques

Bring warm clothing, clean wellingtons, waterproof trousers and jacket. 

All other equipment provided.  Lunch provided.

LOLER (Examination of Arboricultural Equipment)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:11:48 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Three day course plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

An advanced course for experienced arborists looking to gain the NPTC Thorough Inspectors Certification. This would enable an arborist to fulfil his/her requirements under Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). 

Price on application

Qualifications Needed: Units CS38, 39 and 41 RECOMMENDED, plus 5 years experience
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Thorough Examination of Arboricultural Equipment - Certificate of Competence

Mastitis Control For Dairy Farmers

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:50:09 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 1 day.
Programme:

The course objective is to improve the knowledge of dairy farmers on practical aspects of mastitis control and improving milk hygienic quality.

The course would cover the following areas:

the causes of mastitis
cost effective mastitis monitoring programs (know your enemy!)
milking parlour routine and the effect on mastitis
environmental management and the effect on mastitis
managing clinical mastitis cases
approaching raised somatic cell count problems

Approximate cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant = £30)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at dairy farmers and herdpersons.
Qualifications Obtained:

Farmers who attend this course will be more aware of the need for ongoing mastitis management and be equipped with the tools to carry this out through a team approach with their veterinary surgeon.

Micro-Renewables Course

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:43:32 +0100

Location: Crianlarich Village Hall, Strathfillan
Course Length: One day, 10.00-16.00.
Programme:

The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is offering land managers in the National Park area a programme of free training events during 2009 to address some of the key issues and opportunities facing land managers.

This free workshop, delivered by specialist consultants from SAC, will explain the opportunities and constraints for incorporating micro-renewables into a rural business.

The proposed programme would include:

Jargon and units - Units of power and energy, Scale of installation, Installed capacity v yield, carbon savings.
Revenue - Displaced units, Sale of excess, ROCs.
Wind Power - Resource estimation and measurement, power curves, siting, costs, planning issues, environmental issues, grid connection, payback analysis.
Hydro Power - Head and flow estimation and measurement, types of turbine, costs, planning issues, environmental and fisheries issues, grid connection, payback analysis.
Solar Thermal - Resource estimation, system design, compatibility with other heat sources, costs, planning issues, payback analysis.
Solar PV - Resource estimation, system design, costs, planning issues, payback analysis.
Heat Pumps - Ground source/air source/water source, basic system design,  payback analysis.
Grants and other sources of funding - SRDP, SCHRI, Capital allowances etc.

A  site visit is included.

Please note that prior registration for this course is required. Course contact: Linda Winskill, LLTNPA 01389 722043, Linda.Winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Qualifications Needed: This course is restricted to land managers and owners from within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority area only.
Qualifications Obtained: None.

Operation of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:47 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

LANTRA registered training course covering safe use and operation of a self propelled boom style work platform, (under 26 metres). Also covered, current legislation, protective equipment, maintenance and after care. This course doesn't include chainsaw use.

Cost £425.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Leads to NPTC assessment "The Safe use and operation of a mobile elevated work platform".

Potato Roguers Course

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:59:54 +0100

Location: Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
Course Length: Eight days. Note that the date of 15th June is provisional, dependent on growth stage of potatoes. A one-day refresher course on disease and variety recognition will be held on Friday, 19th June 2009.
Programme:

Identification of potato varieties and diseases.

Further details and application forms may be obtained from Sandra Chalmers.

Qualifications Needed: Course aimed at seed potato growers/merchants field staff and anybody who wants an outdoor job for a short time in the summer. Potato roguing is an ideal summer job for people who like working outdoors and is an excellent summer vacation job for students i.e. 4/5/6th year school pupils but especially university/college students at the start of their courses.
Qualifications Obtained: Certificates will be issued, after examination, to successful students. Once qualified (roguers certificate), students are sure of getting a summer job roguing during their years at university /college.

Potato Store Managers Course

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:48:21 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Two day course.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide an up-to-date review of the management of potato stores.

This is a two day course which covers the theory of potato store management in a series of sessions on the first day.  These sessions are a mixture of lectures, group work and self assessment.  The aim is to provide a background to potato store management upon which the practicalities can be discussed. 

The second day focuses on practicalities and includes visits to two contrasting potato stores where course members have to critically analyse all aspects of the potato store and its management.  The course is completed with a practical exercise on design and management of a potato store.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at potato growers, store managers and potato agronomists.
Qualifications Obtained: By the end of the course trainees will have a comprehensive view of all the key issues of potato storage and a clear view of how to tackle day to day management decisions.

Powered Pole Pruners

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:58:07 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Two day course with independent assessment on the second day
Programme:

Covers maintenance, starting procedures, pruning cuts, PPE and safety considerations

£220.00 per trainee.

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites required
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Certificate of Competence CS48 Powered Pole Pruners

Practical Bovine Ultrasonography

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:33:26 +0100

Location: The College Farm, SAC Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: The course starts at 9.30 am and will be finished by 4.30 pm.
Programme:

This course is aimed at Veterinary Surgeons with an interest in routine health and fertility work. The majority of the course is practical and by the end of the day the participant will have the skills to carry out pregnancy diagnosis and bovine infertility examinations using ultrasound.

Course Content

Introductory classroom theory session with images of key stages of pregnancy and infertility diagnoses discussed.
Morning and afternoon practical scanning sessions with small group tuition.
Examples of cows at all stages of pregnancy to 28 days post-insemination available.
Examples of the main causes of infertility available for examination.
Technical advice on choice of scanners to suit practice needs.

Tutors

Colin Mason, BVM&S, BSc, Cert CHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Dumfries)
Ross Muir,BVM&S, Cert CHP, MRCVS (Nithsdale Veterinary Surgeons, Thornhill)
Bill Gilroy (BCF Technology)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
In the interests of biosecurity, please bring clean waterproofs and rubber boots. Disinfectant and brushes will be provided
To ensure participants obtain adequate practical scanning experience during the course, places are limited to 12 delegates.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons.
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Process Individual Windblown Trees

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:39:59 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 2 days plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

Training and assessment in the clearing of individual wind thrown trees which still have the root plates attached.  This is an advanced course and applicants must already hold Unit CS32 (Felling Medium Sized Trees)

Cost £425.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31 and 32.
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS34 - Process Individual Windblown Trees

Professional Tree Survey and Inspection

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:51:55 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 3 days
Programme:

This new LANTRA national award is the first ever certificate available to demonstrate competence in professional tree inspection.  A very demanding course with end on assessment, suited to experienced arborists.

Cost £295.00 per candidate. 

Qualifications Needed: No qualifications required, however, a detailed understanding of trees and fungal pathogens is recommended (to level 2 or 3)
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra Certificate - Professional Tree Inspection and Survey. 5 year duration applicable.

Pruning Operations

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:55:39 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 3 day course plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

Covers the use of chainsaws and other pruning tools from a rope and harness in open grown trees.  The emphasis will be on training candidates in crown thinning and crown reduction operations (to BS3998 standards).

Cost £675.00 per candidate.

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31, 38 and 39.
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS40 Pruning Operations

Refresher Training For Basic Chainsaw

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:05:35 +0100

Location: Venue - to be confirmed
Course Length: Three days.
Programme:

This 3-day course offers qualified operators the chance to have update training, refreshing their skills and updating their knowledge.

This is a Lantra Awards course and is training only.

HSE recommends update training at least every 5 years for professional chainsaw operators and every 2 - 3 years for occasional users.

£455.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Attendees must be qualified.

Robbie Burns - Your Business: Robbie Burns Training Course

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:13:03 +0100

Location: Distance learning.
Course Length: Self study, approximately 4 hrs.
Programme:

'Robbie Burns....Your Business' is a self-study course, full of graphics, music and videos.  It is entertaining and educational and aims to increase awareness of Scotland’s Burns’ tourism product prior to Homecoming Scotland 2009.

The course consists of three main sections:

Part 1 introduces the learner to the importance of Robbie Burns as a cultural tourism product and highlights key business benefits associated with good product knowledge;

Part 2 is presented by Robbie Burns himself who recounts his version of his life’s events through a series of  illustrations and web links to current tourism web sites associated with his life and work;

Part 3 allows the learner to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice by designing Robbie Burns’ tourism experiences for a range of visitor scenarios, including honeymooners and American tourists!

Click here to see a taster of the course and log in using "rab" as your username and password

Qualifications Obtained: On completion of the course the learner receives a badge and certificate proclaiming them to be a "Robbie Burns Tourism Ambassador".

Rough Terrain Telescopic Lift Truck

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:38:04 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course covering
Programme: A 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course covering: Working in the construction industry Introduction to rough terrain telescopic lift trucks Lift truck stability and counter balance principles Daily and take-over maintenance Rated capacity and de-rating Handling bulk loads Lorries and trailers Operating on rough terrain, roads and public highways Controls, instruments and basic driving Driving and manoeuvring Operating with an empty pallet Handling loaded pallets and stacking/de-stacking Difficult loads and conditions Assessment

Safe Use of Pesticides - PA1 - Foundation Module

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:43:41 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: One day course
Programme: A one-day course covering safe use of pesticides - legislation, label interpretation, storage, hygiene, transport disposal and environmental factors.

Safe Use of Pesticides PA2 - Ground Crop Sprayer

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:52:21 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: One day course
Programme: A one-day course covering safe use of pesticides - hydraulic ground crop sprayers

Safe Use of Pesticides PA6A - Hand-held Applicator

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:41:27 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: One day course
Programme: A one-day course covering safe use of pesticides - preparation, calibration, use and after care of hand-held applicators.

Safe Use of Sheep Dip

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:53:55 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 5 hour course
Programme: A 5 hour course - Training only Assessment for the Certificate of Competence is arranged for the same day: Awareness and responsibilities Product label, PPE selection and use Filling a dip bath, measurement of dip Construction, maintenance and operation of dippers Dip selection Safety of people, sheep & environment Dip storage, disposal and dangers of misuse Enquiries and booking forms available from Tom Findlay Tel: 01292 525419
Qualifications Obtained: Certificate of Competence

Sage Line 50 Accounts For Farmers

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:45:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 2 days.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course will cover:

entering bank balances, customer and suppliers opening balances and backing up data
checking data, entering invoices, entering supplier information
entering receipts
reconciling the bank statement
processing payments and petty cash
checking and reconciling the VAT return
trial balances, profit & loss, balance sheet  and budget reports for management purposes

Approximate cost: £240 (with 75% LMO grant = £60)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estate managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will be able to:

prepare their VAT form
reconcile bank statements
produce management reports

Sheep Identification Rules And Sheep Movement Records

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:01:04 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours.
Programme:

A course for anyone who wishes to be confident in keeping sheep or goat records that are required by Scottish legislation, and understand the current tagging rules.

A 3-hour day or evening course designed to explain current tagging and movement regulations, how to complete movement documents, the holding register record of movements and record of veterinary medicine. The session is delivered through simple practical exercises to provide trainees with the confidence to complete records at home.

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at sheep and goat keepers, farmers, crofters and smallholders.
Qualifications Obtained:

At the end of the course, participants should:

understand tagging requirements
understand movement rules
have confidence to complete your own sheep records for SGRPID inspection
have confidence to complete veterinary records for Quality Assurance inspection

Small Scale Poultry Keeping

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:21:54 +0100

Location: SAC Ayr Campus, Auchincruive Estate
Course Length: 1 day, 9.30 - 16.30.
Programme:

This course covers the fundamentals of successful poultry keeping for egg and meat production and is aimed at individuals with small numbers of birds and those considering keeping poultry for the first time.

• Housing birds
• Husbandry
• Pests & diseases of poultry
• Reproduction

Qualifications Needed: Particularly suited to small-holders but is open to all and assumes no prior knowledge or experience in keeping poultry.
Qualifications Obtained: SAC Training Certificate

Stump Grinders

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:26:34 +0100

Location: Venue to be arranged
Course Length: One day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Instruction on, maintenance, transportation, starting/stopping and operation of a self propelled stump grinder. Clarification of current legislation and required safety features. Includes assessment for  NPTC Unit AO7

Cost £365 per candidate. 

Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit AO7

The Business Of Farming: A Course For Bankers

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:29:41 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: The one week course is a mix of formal papers and visits to three commercial farms which illustrate the main farm types in Britain. Ample time is provided for discussion throughout the course to draw on the course participants' own experiences. For the second part of the course another commercial farm is visited in order to provide a series of case studies relating to problems associated with the business, in which course members participate fully.
Programme:

The course is in two parts. The first part is to provide the economic and technical background of farming from a whole agricultural industry perspective to the individual farm business.

The second part of the course discusses some of the techniques of farm business management which the banker and consultant can employ to help the farmer make better use of the available resources.

Qualifications Needed: This course is aimed at bank managers and Members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the importance of agriculture within the economy using key trends and statistics

gain a knowledge of the main farming systems

understand the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and learn about the key features of the Reformed CAP

be able to assess the viability of farms using technical performance indicators and analysis of the Profit & Loss Account using comparative analysis

be able to analyse farm Balance Sheets and use a “Farmers Statement of Affairs”

understand the gross margin system and be able to understand its use for partial budgeting

be able to recognise when a whole farm budget is required and assess lending propositions

Tractor Driving

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:58:22 +0000

Location: SAC Ayr, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr
Course Length: 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course
Programme: A 2, 3 or 5 day (depending on experience) CPCS certified course covering: Working in the construction industry Preventing accidents Instruments and controls Basic safe driving Mounted implements Trailed implements Daily checks Start and stop Use of automatic hitching systems Use of pto shafts Assessment

Tree Planting

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:10:39 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

A practical course which includes plant identification, storage, transportation and maintenance requirements.  Establishment techniques for transplants, whips, standards, rootballed and bare rooted trees.

Cost £375.00 per candidate. 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit AO1 Tree Planting

Use of Chainsaw From Rope & Harness

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:55:07 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Two day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Training in the safe use of a chainsaw for branch removal, while working from a rope and harness. This course will provide you with the skills required to sit the NPTC Unit CS 39 assessment on day three.  

Cost £430.00 per candidate.

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units, CS 30, 31 & 38
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS39

Using Farm Accounts To Improve Business Profitability

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:08:52 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: The course is designed around three half-day tutorial sessions of 3.5 hours each.
Programme:

The course objective is to explain how to interpret farm business accounts  and how to use the information to improve business profitability.

The tutorials are run at weekly intervals and will have two tutors, as the 8-12 trainees are expected to benchmark their own business and may need individual support.  Trainees are provided with relevant comparative data from the Farm Accounts Survey.

Approximate cost: £200 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Needed: The course is designed for farmers, farm managers and estate managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

have improved understanding of their accounts
be able to recognise their business’s strengths and weaknesses
be able to compare their business’s financial performance with that of other similar businesses
have developed ideas to improve profitability

Utility Arboriculture Unit 1: Electrical Hazard Awareness

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:17 +0100

Location: Venue - To be arranged.
Course Length: Two day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

A wholly electrical unit with two days training, covering identification of overhead lines and associated equipment plus identification of related hazards and risks.

A pre-requisite for all arboricultural electric units.

Cost per candidate £295.00 
Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit UA1

Utility Arboriculture Unit 2.1 & 2.2 ONLY

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:17:43 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Essential overhead cable maintenance operations and line clearance training from the ground ONLY.    Includes assessment of Unit UA 2 (2.1, 2.2).

£595.00 per trainee

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold Units UA 1 & CS30 and 31.
Qualifications Obtained: Unit UA 2 (2.1, 2.2).

Vermin Control

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:55:10 +0100

Location: SAC Ayr, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr
Course Length: Rabbit control and mole control: 1 day Rats and mice control: 1 day Combined vermin control: 2 days
Programme:

Pests you need to control
Preventative measures curative methods
How to administer pesticides safely
Plan and monitor of vermin control programme
Relevant regulations

Qualifications Obtained: Integrated training and assessment course leading to a certificate in basic training. Lantra Awards accredited.

WASTeS Consultants Course

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:27:34 +0000

Location: SAC venues
Course Length: Two days.
Programme:

In the 2005 PEPFAA code paragraphs 4.13 states that: ‘farmers should draw up Manure Management Plan (also known as a Farm Waste Management Plan) and, if necessary, seek professional advice’. For non-agricultural wastes, paragraph 5.18 states that: ‘Properly qualified advice should be sought on what application rate is appropriate for each waste material, each soil and each site’. WASTeS aims to meet the training requirements for waste application to land, including contractors, consultants and regulators.

This is a Level 1 course for consultants. Content:

Introduction
Agricultural codes of practice and regulations
Waste handling operations
Waste application operations
Land suitability
Agricultural pollution
Non-agricultural wastes

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at consultants, regulators, contractors and field operators.

Wildflower Identification

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:48:36 +0100

Location: SAC Aberdeen, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen
Course Length: Two-day weekend course.
Programme: This course introduces participants to the art of wildflower identification through theory and fieldwork practice. Offered in partnership with BTCV Scotland.
Qualifications Needed: Open to all for professional, personal or recreational interest.
Qualifications Obtained: Attendance Certificate

Wildlife Habitat Surveying

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:10:39 +0000

Location: SAC Aberdeen, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen
Course Length: Two-days - 2008 dates will be set soon
Programme: Want to know how to start surveying your local habitat? This course will give you the skills to identify the range of main habitat types in the UK. Offered in partnership with BTCV Scotland.
Qualifications Needed: None
Qualifications Obtained: Attendance Certificate

BASIS BETA Amenity (Biodiversity & Environmental Training for Advisers)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:42:59 +0100

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The programme includes the following:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in the use of Environmental Information Sheets in the selection of pesticides
exercises in the use of the Crop Protection Management Plan for pesticide use
revision exercises

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture) - Training Course

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:39:41 +0100

Safety and Legislation Course -  covers pesticide composition, groups, active ingredients, formulation and environmental and safety aspects of handling, transport and application of pesticides.

Revision & Exams - two days of revision and written and viva exams. 

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) - training course

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:45:37 +0100

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The course programme includes:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in weed, pest and disease identification
exercises in the use of spray equipment
revision exercises

The programme allows for those already BASIS qualified to take individual skills area modules if required. 

FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification & Training Scheme)

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:17:28 +0100

The programme covers the following:

The soil in relation to plant nutrition
Organic nutrient sources
The nature and properties of fertilisers
Crop nutients in plants and the factors influencing nutrient management planning
Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
Application of fertilisers
Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and requirements to protect the environment

Arboricultural Association's Technician's Certificate

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:51:12 +0100

Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh. Still to be confirmed
Course Length: Approximately 1 day per fortnight ( Fifteen full day sessions)
Programme:

Level 3 academic qualification in Arboriculture.  Assessed by examination in June  (theory) and September (management practical).  Award managed by ABC accredited by Arboricultural Associaltion.

Price on application 

Qualifications Needed: Advised to attain a level 2 Qualification first e.g. RFS Certificate in Arboriculture
Qualifications Obtained: Technician's Certificate in Arboriculture

Basic Chainsaw

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:23:35 +0100

Maintenance, safety and felling trees up to guidebar length (380mm/15")  Covers snedding, crosscutting and hand takedown techniques for dealing with hung up trees. 

£995 per trainee inclusive of assessment fees

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Units CS30 - Maintain and Operate the Chainsaw and CS31 - Fell and Process Small Trees

Basic Tree Climbing

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:07:49 +0100

Location: To be confirmed Course 19th - 23rd October 2009 to be held at Aberdeen
Course Length: 5 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

£695 per trainee. 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS38 - Climb trees and Perform Aerial Rescue

Basic Tree Survey

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:42 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day course with integrated assessment
Programme:

This new LANTRA award provides guidance on data collection and hazard awareness, while surveying trees.  One day course aimed at arborists and non-arborists alike.

£120.00 per trainee

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra (ITA) Certificate in Tree Surveying

Brushcutters & Trimmers - Lantra Awards ITA

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:42:58 +0000

Certificate in Arboriculture (RFS)

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:17:39 +0100

Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh. Still to be confirmed
Course Length: 20 afternoons
Programme:

Price on application 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Certificate in Arboriculture

Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting for Occasional Users

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:32:49 +0100

Location: Venue - Central Scotland and Craibstone, Aberdeen
Course Length: Two day course with integrated assessment
Programme:

£295 per trainee   

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Lantra (ITA) Certificate in Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting

Dismantling Operations

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:38:11 +0100

Location: Venue to be arranged
Course Length: 5 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

How to deal with tree removals in confined spaces and over vulnerable structures.  An introduction to modern, efficient rigging and dismantling techniques.

Cost £925.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31 and 39
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS41 Dismantling Operations

Fell Medium Sized Trees

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:50:37 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: Three day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

£695.00 per trainee. 

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold Units CS30, 31
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS 32 - Fell and Process Medium Sized Trees

LOLER (Examination of Arboricultural Equipment)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:11:48 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Three day course plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

Price on application

Qualifications Needed: Units CS38, 39 and 41 RECOMMENDED, plus 5 years experience
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Thorough Examination of Arboricultural Equipment - Certificate of Competence

Operation of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:47 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Cost £425.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: Leads to NPTC assessment "The Safe use and operation of a mobile elevated work platform".

Powered Pole Pruners

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:58:07 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Two day course with independent assessment on the second day
Programme:

Covers maintenance, starting procedures, pruning cuts, PPE and safety considerations

£220.00 per trainee.

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites required
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Certificate of Competence CS48 Powered Pole Pruners

Process Individual Windblown Trees

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:39:59 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 2 days plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

Cost £425.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31 and 32.
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS34 - Process Individual Windblown Trees

Professional Tree Survey and Inspection

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:51:55 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 3 days
Programme:

Cost £295.00 per candidate. 

Pruning Operations

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:55:39 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: 3 day course plus 1 day assessment
Programme:

Cost £675.00 per candidate.

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units CS30, 31, 38 and 39.
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS40 Pruning Operations

Refresher Training For Basic Chainsaw

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:05:35 +0100

Location: Venue - to be confirmed
Course Length: Three days.
Programme:

This 3-day course offers qualified operators the chance to have update training, refreshing their skills and updating their knowledge.

This is a Lantra Awards course and is training only.

HSE recommends update training at least every 5 years for professional chainsaw operators and every 2 - 3 years for occasional users.

£455.00 per candidate

Qualifications Needed: Attendees must be qualified.

Tree Planting

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:10:39 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Cost £375.00 per candidate. 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit AO1 Tree Planting

Use of Chainsaw From Rope & Harness

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:55:07 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: Two day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Cost £430.00 per candidate.

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold NPTC Units, CS 30, 31 & 38
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit CS39

Utility Arboriculture Unit 1: Electrical Hazard Awareness

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:17 +0100

Location: Venue - To be arranged.
Course Length: Two day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

A wholly electrical unit with two days training, covering identification of overhead lines and associated equipment plus identification of related hazards and risks.

A pre-requisite for all arboricultural electric units.

Cost per candidate £295.00 
Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC Unit UA1

Utility Arboriculture Unit 2.1 & 2.2 ONLY

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:17:43 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 day course plus one day assessment
Programme:

Essential overhead cable maintenance operations and line clearance training from the ground ONLY.    Includes assessment of Unit UA 2 (2.1, 2.2).

£595.00 per trainee

Qualifications Needed: Candidates must already hold Units UA 1 & CS30 and 31.
Qualifications Obtained: Unit UA 2 (2.1, 2.2).

Business Management Training

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:48:34 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Four 4-hour modules at weekly intervals.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course structure comprises modules covering:

understanding and analysing farm accounts
budgeting and cashflow preparation
financial control and investment appraisal
business planning

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estates managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the basics of farm accounts and their interpretation
be able to analyse a set of accounts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a business
recognise common business problems and identify potential solutions
prepare a whole farm gross margin budget and cashflow
undertake simple investment appraisals including partial budgeting
recognise their personal and business objectives and have the skills and confidence to develop these into a strategic business plan

Introduction To Computers On The Farm - Elementary Level

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:37:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day course.
Programme:

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and family members involved in the farm business.
Qualifications Obtained:

This course leads into SAC’s next level of computing course:  Introduction to word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Sage Line 50 Accounts For Farmers

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:45:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 2 days.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course will cover:

entering bank balances, customer and suppliers opening balances and backing up data
checking data, entering invoices, entering supplier information
entering receipts
reconciling the bank statement
processing payments and petty cash
checking and reconciling the VAT return
trial balances, profit & loss, balance sheet  and budget reports for management purposes

Approximate cost: £240 (with 75% LMO grant = £60)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estate managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will be able to:

prepare their VAT form
reconcile bank statements
produce management reports

The Business Of Farming: A Course For Bankers

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:29:41 +0000

The course is in two parts. The first part is to provide the economic and technical background of farming from a whole agricultural industry perspective to the individual farm business.

The second part of the course discusses some of the techniques of farm business management which the banker and consultant can employ to help the farmer make better use of the available resources.

Qualifications Needed: This course is aimed at bank managers and Members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the importance of agriculture within the economy using key trends and statistics

gain a knowledge of the main farming systems

understand the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and learn about the key features of the Reformed CAP

be able to assess the viability of farms using technical performance indicators and analysis of the Profit & Loss Account using comparative analysis

be able to analyse farm Balance Sheets and use a “Farmers Statement of Affairs”

understand the gross margin system and be able to understand its use for partial budgeting

be able to recognise when a whole farm budget is required and assess lending propositions

Health Management for Game Birds

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:32:02 +0100

Location: SAC Veterinary Services, Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: The course starts at 9.30 am and will be finished by 4.30 pm
Programme:

Course Content

A comprehensive look at health problems in game birds
Features of disease management and control
Parasitism
Recent topical issues

Tutors

Tom Pennycott, BVM&S, Cert PMP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Ayr)
Jo Gidlow, BVSc, Cert SHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, St Boswells)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
Due to the practical nature of the course places are limited to 12 delegates

Qualifications Needed: Qualified veterinary surgeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Management for the Pig Herd

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:27:59 +0100

Location: SAC Veterinary Services, Mill of Craibstone, Aberdeen
Course Length: The course will start at 9.30 am and finish by 4.30 pm
Programme:

Course Content

Update on disease issues
Disease elimination strategies
Diagnostic approaches
Practical session on post mortem material and case discussions

Tutors

Jill Thomson, BVSc, PhD, DipECVP, Cert PM, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Manager)

Catriona Ritchie, BVMS, MSc Livestock Health & Production, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Aberdeen)

Ian Mortimer, BVSc, MRCVS (Quality Meat Scotland)

Additional Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
Due to the practical nature of this course, places are limited to 12 delegates, please book early to avoid disappointment.
In the interests of biosecurity, please bring clean rubber boots, disposable overalls will be provided.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Planning for the Beef Cow Herd

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:16:04 +0100

Practical sessions will be included.

Course Content

The factors that determine production efficiency in the beef cow herd.
Generating production targets that are relevant for the individual client.
An introduction to risk management and its application to health planning.
The web-based health planning concept and how it will work for beef herds.
Analysis of production data and problem solving.
Preventive programmes for the infectious diseases that have greatest impact on productivity of the herd.

Tutors

George Caldow, BVM&S, MSc, Cert CHP, Dip ECBHM, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, St Boswells)
Iain Riddell, BSc (SAC Select Services, Perth)
Colin Penny, BVM&S, Cert CHP, DBR, Dip ECBHM, MRCVS(RDSVS)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons.
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Health Planning for the Dairy Herd

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:16:15 +0100

Location: Holiday Inn, Corstorphine, Edinburgh
Course Length: Two-day course 22nd/23rd September 2010. The course starts at 10.00am on day one and finishes 3.45pm on day two
Programme:

Course Content Will Include

Determining the components of dairy herd profitability and how health issues affect them.
Simple tools to assess herd fertility status and the effects of veterinary intervention.
How to get involved in proactive nutritional monitoring and assessing clinical and subclinical metabolic disease.
Health planning to limit lameness
Mastitis and milk quality targets, diagnoses and preventative strategies
Managing infectious diseases in large and expanding dairy herds

Tutors

Alistair Macrae, BVM&S, PhD, Cert SHP, Cert CHP, MRCVS (RDSVS)
Colin Mason, BVM&S, BSc, Cert CHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Dumfries)
Jimmy Goldie, BSc Hons (SAC Select Services, Dumfries)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary sugeons
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

Practical Bovine Ultrasonography

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:33:26 +0100

Location: The College Farm, SAC Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: The course starts at 9.30 am and will be finished by 4.30 pm.
Programme:

Course Content

Introductory classroom theory session with images of key stages of pregnancy and infertility diagnoses discussed.
Morning and afternoon practical scanning sessions with small group tuition.
Examples of cows at all stages of pregnancy to 28 days post-insemination available.
Examples of the main causes of infertility available for examination.
Technical advice on choice of scanners to suit practice needs.

Tutors

Colin Mason, BVM&S, BSc, Cert CHP, MRCVS (SAC Veterinary Services, Dumfries)
Ross Muir,BVM&S, Cert CHP, MRCVS (Nithsdale Veterinary Surgeons, Thornhill)
Bill Gilroy (BCF Technology)

Other Information

Price includes refreshments and lunch, accommodation is not included.
In the interests of biosecurity, please bring clean waterproofs and rubber boots. Disinfectant and brushes will be provided
To ensure participants obtain adequate practical scanning experience during the course, places are limited to 12 delegates.

Qualifications Needed: The course is available to qualified veterinary surgeons.
Qualifications Obtained: CPD Certificate

BASIS BETA Amenity (Biodiversity & Environmental Training for Advisers)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:42:59 +0100

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The programme includes the following:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in the use of Environmental Information Sheets in the selection of pesticides
exercises in the use of the Crop Protection Management Plan for pesticide use
revision exercises

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Agriculture) - Training Course

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:39:41 +0100

Safety and Legislation Course -  covers pesticide composition, groups, active ingredients, formulation and environmental and safety aspects of handling, transport and application of pesticides.

Revision & Exams - two days of revision and written and viva exams. 

BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Amenity Horticulture) - training course

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:45:37 +0100

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTE THAT DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS THIS COUSE WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS WINTER

The course programme includes:

on-line material available prior to the course
lectures by subject specialists
site visits
exercises in weed, pest and disease identification
exercises in the use of spray equipment
revision exercises

The programme allows for those already BASIS qualified to take individual skills area modules if required. 

Efficient Fertiliser Use

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:57:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours
Programme:

The course includes:

details of principles of balance sheet manuring for P and K
calculation of off-takes by different crops
fertiliser allowances for manures and slurry
practical examples

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the principles of balance sheet manuring
know the optimum soil status to aim to achieve
be able to calculate how much P and K crops are removing
be able to calculate how much P and K manures and slurries are supplying
understand how plants make use of P and K from fertilisers and in the soil

Fertiliser Advisers Certification And Training Scheme (FACTS)

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:09:52 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: 4 days.
Programme:

The soil in relation to plant nutrition
Organic nutrient sources
The  nature and properties of fertilisers
Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing the amount of fertiliser required
Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
Application of fertilisers
Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the environment

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Introduction To Protected Cropping

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:48:32 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide practical guidance on how to grow protected crops on smallholdings and farms.

This course is run over a single day and covers the following topics:

Introduction – what course will cover  
Types of protection and how to use them (with light, heat and irrigation) to extend the season  
Crop choice - what to grow
Crop rotation – crop diversity in space and time
Ground preparation and maintenance under protection
Fertilisers under protection (are they different from those used outdoors?)
Controlling the environment for protected crops
Pests and diseases – identification, prevention and control

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Introduction To Small-Scale Horticulture For Crofters And Small Farmers

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:26:53 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide practical guidance on how to grow horticultural crops on smallholdings and farms and covers the following topics:

Introduction
Crop choice
Site and soil assessment
Plant propagation
Crop nutrition – fertilisers and nutrient budgeting
Crop rotation, crop timing and crop spacing
Crop protection
Irrigation and cultivations
Protected cropping and extending the season
Development of markets

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Potato Roguers Course

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:59:54 +0100

Identification of potato varieties and diseases.

Further details and application forms may be obtained from Sandra Chalmers.

Potato Store Managers Course

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:48:21 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Two day course.
Programme:

The course objective is to provide an up-to-date review of the management of potato stores.

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Vermin Control

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:55:10 +0100

Location: SAC Ayr, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr
Course Length: Rabbit control and mole control: 1 day Rats and mice control: 1 day Combined vermin control: 2 days
Programme:

Pests you need to control
Preventative measures curative methods
How to administer pesticides safely
Plan and monitor of vermin control programme
Relevant regulations

Qualifications Obtained: Integrated training and assessment course leading to a certificate in basic training. Lantra Awards accredited.

Brushcutters & Trimmers - Lantra Awards ITA

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:42:58 +0000

WASTeS Consultants Course

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:27:34 +0000

Location: SAC venues
Course Length: Two days.
Programme:

This is a Level 1 course for consultants. Content:

Introduction
Agricultural codes of practice and regulations
Waste handling operations
Waste application operations
Land suitability
Agricultural pollution
Non-agricultural wastes

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at consultants, regulators, contractors and field operators.

Wildflower Identification

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:48:36 +0100

Business Management Training

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:48:34 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Four 4-hour modules at weekly intervals.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course structure comprises modules covering:

understanding and analysing farm accounts
budgeting and cashflow preparation
financial control and investment appraisal
business planning

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estates managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the basics of farm accounts and their interpretation
be able to analyse a set of accounts to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a business
recognise common business problems and identify potential solutions
prepare a whole farm gross margin budget and cashflow
undertake simple investment appraisals including partial budgeting
recognise their personal and business objectives and have the skills and confidence to develop these into a strategic business plan

Developing Opportunities For Farm Diversification

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:40:18 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day.
Programme:

This one-day course covers seven subject areas:

Assessing Available Resources (physical and human)
Understanding and Analysing Farm Accounts
Identifying Potential Enterprises
Carrying out Feasibility Studies (including market research, marketing plans and preparing a business plan)
Presenting an Application for Financial Assistance
Statutory Requirements (e.g. planning, environmental health)
Customer Service

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers, estate owners and managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

be able to identify available resources and  how best they could be used
understand how to analyse an existing business’s financial strengths and weaknesses
be able to use techniques such as SWOT analysis to assess and rank potential ventures
understand the principles of feasibility studies and business plans
have an awareness of how to seek funding
be aware of some statutory requirements for diversified activities
understand the importance of good customer service

Efficient Fertiliser Use

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:57:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours
Programme:

The course includes:

details of principles of balance sheet manuring for P and K
calculation of off-takes by different crops
fertiliser allowances for manures and slurry
practical examples

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the principles of balance sheet manuring
know the optimum soil status to aim to achieve
be able to calculate how much P and K crops are removing
be able to calculate how much P and K manures and slurries are supplying
understand how plants make use of P and K from fertilisers and in the soil

Farm Business Benchmarking

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:45:04 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Three tutorials of 4 hours each, with each tutorial at weekly intervals.
Programme:

Qualifications Needed: The training is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estates managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

have improved understanding of their accounts
be able to recognise their business’s strengths and weaknesses
be able to compare their business’s financial performance with that of other similar businesses
have developed ideas to improve profitability

Introduction To Computers On The Farm - Elementary Level

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:37:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: One day course.
Programme:

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and family members involved in the farm business.
Qualifications Obtained:

This course leads into SAC’s next level of computing course:  Introduction to word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Introduction To Ruminant Feeding And Nutrition

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:56:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: One day
Programme:

The course objective is to provide guidance on background nutrition and practical feeding of beef cattle and sheep.

This course is run over a single day and covers the following topics:

ruminant digestion of feed components
energy requirements
protein requirements
composition of common feeds
interpreting silage reports
feeding suckler cows
feeding beef cattle
feeding pregnant ewes

Approx. cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant =£30)  

Introduction To Word Processing, Spreadsheets And Databases

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:23:55 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Two days.
Programme:

Course participants will develop an understanding of standard computer packages to produce documents and run packages which will aid farm business management and record keeping.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers and family members involved in the farm business.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

open, save, close and retrieve a file
produce a quality work processed document
edit, format, spell check and print a document
use tables to present information
layout a spreadsheet to perform tasks such as budgets and cashflows
understand the use of formulae to carry out calculations
present the results as a graph or chart

Mastitis Control For Dairy Farmers

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:50:09 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 1 day.
Programme:

The course objective is to improve the knowledge of dairy farmers on practical aspects of mastitis control and improving milk hygienic quality.

The course would cover the following areas:

the causes of mastitis
cost effective mastitis monitoring programs (know your enemy!)
milking parlour routine and the effect on mastitis
environmental management and the effect on mastitis
managing clinical mastitis cases
approaching raised somatic cell count problems

Approximate cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant = £30)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at dairy farmers and herdpersons.
Qualifications Obtained:

Farmers who attend this course will be more aware of the need for ongoing mastitis management and be equipped with the tools to carry this out through a team approach with their veterinary surgeon.

Sage Line 50 Accounts For Farmers

Fri, 30 May 2008 17:45:03 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 2 days.
Programme:

The course objective is to enhance the financial control and business management skills of farmers and through this, improve the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses.

The course will cover:

entering bank balances, customer and suppliers opening balances and backing up data
checking data, entering invoices, entering supplier information
entering receipts
reconciling the bank statement
processing payments and petty cash
checking and reconciling the VAT return
trial balances, profit & loss, balance sheet  and budget reports for management purposes

Approximate cost: £240 (with 75% LMO grant = £60)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at farmers, farm managers and estate managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will be able to:

prepare their VAT form
reconcile bank statements
produce management reports

Sheep Identification Rules And Sheep Movement Records

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:01:04 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours.
Programme:

A course for anyone who wishes to be confident in keeping sheep or goat records that are required by Scottish legislation, and understand the current tagging rules.

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at sheep and goat keepers, farmers, crofters and smallholders.
Qualifications Obtained:

At the end of the course, participants should:

understand tagging requirements
understand movement rules
have confidence to complete your own sheep records for SGRPID inspection
have confidence to complete veterinary records for Quality Assurance inspection

Using Farm Accounts To Improve Business Profitability

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:08:52 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: The course is designed around three half-day tutorial sessions of 3.5 hours each.
Programme:

The course objective is to explain how to interpret farm business accounts  and how to use the information to improve business profitability.

Approximate cost: £200 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Needed: The course is designed for farmers, farm managers and estate managers.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will:

have improved understanding of their accounts
be able to recognise their business’s strengths and weaknesses
be able to compare their business’s financial performance with that of other similar businesses
have developed ideas to improve profitability

Introduction To Ruminant Feeding And Nutrition

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:56:50 +0100

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: One day
Programme:

The course objective is to provide guidance on background nutrition and practical feeding of beef cattle and sheep.

This course is run over a single day and covers the following topics:

ruminant digestion of feed components
energy requirements
protein requirements
composition of common feeds
interpreting silage reports
feeding suckler cows
feeding beef cattle
feeding pregnant ewes

Approx. cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant =£30)  

Lambing For Beginners: Lambing Management & Skills

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:03:12 +0000

Location: Drummondhill, Stratherrick Road, Inverness IV2 4JZ. Tel: 01463 233266
Course Length: 9.30 - 15.30
Programme:

Morning: indoor theory session covering:

preparation for lambing
feeds
veterinary matters
equipment
care of lambs

Afternoon: outdoor practical session using a lambing simulator to practice and learn lambing techniques

Bring warm clothing, clean wellingtons, waterproof trousers and jacket. 

All other equipment provided.  Lunch provided.

Mastitis Control For Dairy Farmers

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:50:09 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 1 day.
Programme:

The course objective is to improve the knowledge of dairy farmers on practical aspects of mastitis control and improving milk hygienic quality.

The course would cover the following areas:

the causes of mastitis
cost effective mastitis monitoring programs (know your enemy!)
milking parlour routine and the effect on mastitis
environmental management and the effect on mastitis
managing clinical mastitis cases
approaching raised somatic cell count problems

Approximate cost: £120 (with 75% LMO grant = £30)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at dairy farmers and herdpersons.
Qualifications Obtained:

Farmers who attend this course will be more aware of the need for ongoing mastitis management and be equipped with the tools to carry this out through a team approach with their veterinary surgeon.

Sheep Identification Rules And Sheep Movement Records

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:01:04 +0100

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: 3 hours.
Programme:

A course for anyone who wishes to be confident in keeping sheep or goat records that are required by Scottish legislation, and understand the current tagging rules.

Approximate cost: £80 (with 75% LMO grant = £20)

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at sheep and goat keepers, farmers, crofters and smallholders.
Qualifications Obtained:

At the end of the course, participants should:

understand tagging requirements
understand movement rules
have confidence to complete your own sheep records for SGRPID inspection
have confidence to complete veterinary records for Quality Assurance inspection

Access Management

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:57:49 +0100

Location: Balmaha Visitor Centre, Balmaha
Course Length: One day, 10.00 - 16.00
Programme:

This is a one day course looking at the some techniques for managing access on private land and support mechanisms including RDC.

Topics to be covered.

Legal framework, including Land Reform Act - Access for all
Policy framework, including access  & tourism strategies
Funding framework including SRDP/NPA etc
Sources of advice and support e.g. PA, paths for all, FCS  SNH
Extent of recreational demand
Liability and safety issues
Types of access use and its provision
Visitor management techniques/strategies

The course will provide landowners and interested parties with the necessary information to allow them to plan and manage appropriate recreation provision to their individual land holdings.

The course will introduce the legal right of reasonable access and outline the requirements of both landowners and users in relation to the law.

The importance of the National Park as a destination and the importance of recreation as part of peoples reason for visiting will be outlined. The balance of allowing responsible access whilst ensuring that land management operations proceed unhindered will be stressed and techniques discussed as how best to achieve this win-win situation.

Funding and support mechanisms will be evaluated as will the health and safety and liability aspects of access provision from the landowners perspective.

Recent training work in this topic area has involved  developing and delivering training courses for the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association. These included storytelling for countryside staff, managing volunteers, evaluation and monitoring.

SAC Delivery: Mr Iain Cornforth

For further information on any of these events or to register please contact Linda Winskill on 01389 722043 or at linda.winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Qualifications Needed: This course is for land managers in the National Park areas and is free.
Qualifications Obtained: None.

Managing Farm Woodlands For Wood Fuel

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:52:14 +0100

Location: National Park HQ, Balloch.
Course Length: One day, 10.00- 16.30.
Programme:

The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is offering land managers in the National Park area a programme of free training events during 2009 to address some of the key issues and opportunities facing land managers. Being delivered by specialist consultants from SAC, the programme starts in late March.

This course, which will take place in May 2009 (date and venue still to be confirmed), will provide all the information you will need to manage and/or create a wood fuel resource safely, sustainably and effectively.

Topics to be covered.

Types of wood fuels
Opportunities- extent of resource
Markets-own or wider use
Training issues
Equipment
Machinery
Species awareness issues
New planting
Resource management/ Silviculture
Storage
Licensing
Sustainability/security of supply/landscape and biodiversity issues- links to Government & NPA Policies
Funding opportunities

The policy background to the promotion of wood fuel use will introduce the course and from this context the practicalities of where the markets are (own use or moving the material through the consumer chain), how to manage individual tree species for wood fuel production, how to stay safe and legal whilst felling trees, what tools and equipment and storage space is required to process the material  and where outside funding can be accessed to help in the development of rural business opportunities will be developed in a mixture of indoor, and predominately, outdoor sessions.

SAC Delivery: Mr Ian Cornforth

Note: this course is now past however if you have an interest in this area please contact  Linda Winskill on 01389 722043 or at linda.winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org 

Qualifications Needed: This course is restricted to land managers and owners from within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority area only.
Qualifications Obtained: None

Micro-Renewables Course

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:43:32 +0100

Location: Crianlarich Village Hall, Strathfillan
Course Length: One day, 10.00-16.00.
Programme:

This free workshop, delivered by specialist consultants from SAC, will explain the opportunities and constraints for incorporating micro-renewables into a rural business.

The proposed programme would include:

Jargon and units - Units of power and energy, Scale of installation, Installed capacity v yield, carbon savings.
Revenue - Displaced units, Sale of excess, ROCs.
Wind Power - Resource estimation and measurement, power curves, siting, costs, planning issues, environmental issues, grid connection, payback analysis.
Hydro Power - Head and flow estimation and measurement, types of turbine, costs, planning issues, environmental and fisheries issues, grid connection, payback analysis.
Solar Thermal - Resource estimation, system design, compatibility with other heat sources, costs, planning issues, payback analysis.
Solar PV - Resource estimation, system design, costs, planning issues, payback analysis.
Heat Pumps - Ground source/air source/water source, basic system design,  payback analysis.
Grants and other sources of funding - SRDP, SCHRI, Capital allowances etc.

A  site visit is included.

Please note that prior registration for this course is required. Course contact: Linda Winskill, LLTNPA 01389 722043, Linda.Winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Qualifications Needed: This course is restricted to land managers and owners from within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority area only.
Qualifications Obtained: None.

Rural Development Priorities (RDP) Course

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:58:38 +0100

Location: Tuesday 6 October 2009: LLTNPA Headquarters, Carrochan, Balloch, 19.00 - 21.00 Wednesday 25 November 2009: New Stirling Auction Mart (time tbc)
Course Length: One hour.
Programme:

These drop in and problem solving sessions  will incorporate a 15 minute talk, delivered once an hour.

These events will be facilitated by experienced SAC Consultants fully familiar with the rural development priorities. A short 15 minute update will delivered hourly on the priorities followed by a problem solving session for attendees. Whilst this may assist land managers in addressing their immediate queries and needs it will also include sign-posting to further advice and support should this be required.

SAC Delivery: Mr Robin Mair; Ms Sandra Stewart

Please note that prior registration for this course is required. Course contact: Linda Winskill, LLTNPA 01389 722043, Linda.Winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Qualifications Needed: This course is restricted to land managers and owners from within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority area only.
Qualifications Obtained: None.

Upland Management Training

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:55:01 +0100

Location: Crianlarich Village Hall, Strathfillan
Course Length: One day, 10.00 - 16.00
Programme:

A one day course looking at best practice and current issues in upland management.

This course would include c.2-hour introductory indoor session that would introduce current issues and developments within the management of upland areas and thereafter would focus on a site visit(s) where best practice and current issues may be exemplified and discussed.

The proposed programme could  include topics on:

Moorland vegetation types
Important moorland habitats & associated species i.e. black grouse
Changes in the uplands – livestock numbers, labour, etc.
Livestock grazing impacts -sheep, cattle & deer
Options for moorland management  - away wintering, stock reduction, off-wintering
Predator impacts
Bracken management
Heather & muirburn
SRDP and LMO options for upland management

This course is for farmers and managers of upland areas.  It will give an overview of current moorland issues, provide information on important species and habitats in the National Park, discuss local issues and suggest possible solutions including farmer collaboration and funding. 

SAC Delivery Team: Ms Sandra Stewart; Mr Robin Mair

For further information on any of these events or to register please contact Linda Winskill on 01389 722043 or at linda.winskill@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Qualifications Needed: This course is for land managers in the National Park areas and is free.
Qualifications Obtained: None.

Composting For Smallholders And Farmers

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:41:17 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: This course is run over a 4 to 7 hour timescale depending on the amount of detail which the client requires.
Programme:

The objective of this course is to provide practical guidance on how composting works and how to make and use compost on farms and holdings.

It covers the following topics:

Definitions of compost
What can be composted and where to get feedstocks
Composting systems
PAS100 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations
The composting process and how to make it work effectively
How to use compost effectively

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Converting To Organic Farming

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:13:52 +0100

Location: TBC
Course Length: Each course lasts for one day.
Programme:

For further information, please contact Richard Huxtable, SAC Senior Organic Farming Specialist, T: 01224 711072, E: richard.huxtable@sac.co.uk or your local SAC FBS Office.

Small Scale Poultry Keeping

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:21:54 +0100

Location: SAC Ayr Campus, Auchincruive Estate
Course Length: 1 day, 9.30 - 16.30.
Programme:

• Housing birds
• Husbandry
• Pests & diseases of poultry
• Reproduction

Qualifications Needed: Particularly suited to small-holders but is open to all and assumes no prior knowledge or experience in keeping poultry.
Qualifications Obtained: SAC Training Certificate

BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:03:01 +0100

Location: SAC, Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: This one-day [9.30am - 4.30pm] SCPLH course is informal and the training is carried out by one of SAC’s BIIAB approved trainers with ‘hands-on’ industry experience.
Programme:

There is a multiple-choice test at the end of the course and successful candidates will be awarded the BIIAB Certificate for Personal Licence Holders.

Course Content includes:

• How to apply for your personal licence 
• Control of order
• The process of personal care 
• The responsible sale of alcohol
• Role of Licensing Boards & Licensing Standards Officers 
• Role & responsibilities of personal licence holders & associated penalties
• Licensing hours 
• Unauthorised licensed activities

Qualifications Needed: Who should take this qualification? Anyone who wishes to work in a licensed premises or any venue or site where alcohol is sold, for drinking on or off the premises; in a position where they will authorise the sale of alcohol to the public.
Qualifications Obtained: If you wish to obtain a personal licence you need to apply to your local Licensing Board.  You will be asked to prove that you hold a licensing qualification.  SAC has an excellent reputation throughout Scotland for short courses for the Food and Beverage Industry.

HACCP Workshop

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:53:17 +0100

Location: SAC Drummondhill Stratherrick Road Inverness
Course Length: One Day All businesses involved in food are required to identify steps in their operation which are critical to ensuring food safety. Guidance given in this workshop enables candidates with a professional interest in food safety to gain a practical approach to the concept of hazard analysis and the application of HACCP principles.
Programme:

Explanation of the principles of hazard analysis

Explanation of how food hazards are identified, controlled, monitored and verified

Explanation of basic requirements needed for the implementation of a successful HACCP system

Explanation of appropriate legislation

Qualifications Needed: The common sense approach to assuring food safety, embodied in the principles of HACCP, is explained with the use of case study material. One of SAC’s REHIS registered trainers will provide tips on the practical approach to developing HACCP–based systems. A previous knowledge of at least basic food hygiene is desirable.

REHIS Advanced Diploma in Food Hygiene

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:20:49 +0100

Location: SAC, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HW Tel: 01292 525050 22 to 26 June 2009 Course 9.00 am - 5.00 pm daily.
Course Length: This is an intensive course but is structured to enable you to complete it in a short period of time. The course is delivered over five consecutive days.
Programme:

The primary objective of commercial food business is to produce, distribute, store, handle, prepare and sell food at a profit. To ensure a profitable operation, proprietors and managers must implement policies and documented systems relating to all their activities. To formulate such a programme, managers require an understanding of all aspects of food hygiene including basic microbiology and food legislation.

This Advanced Diploma course is aimed at managers, hygiene specialists and trainers who wish to present the Elementary Food Hygiene certificate course. A full set of comprehensive course notes and Course Textbook will be provided.

Course content includes:

Bacteriology, Bacterial & Non Bacterial Food Poisoning, Food Borne Infections, Food Contamination & Prevention, Personal Hygiene, Food Preservation, Cleaning & Disinfection, Pest Control, Management Control Techniques, HACCP, Legislation, and Design, Construction & Maintenance of Food Premises & Equipment

Qualifications Needed: Candidates should have ideally completed the REHIS Intermediate Certificate in Food Hygiene or equivalent before undertaking this course.
Qualifications Obtained: Following this course, candidates complete 4 assignments and are then put forward for the exam. The written exam lasts 3 hours and is followed by an oral Q&A session lasting approximately 20-30 mins. Successful students will achieve the REHIS Advanced Diploma in Food Hygiene.

REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:00:48 +0100

Location: SAC, Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: One day (9.30 am - 4.30 pm).
Programme:

This Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) will provide food handlers and businesses with the necessary information to control food safety hazards and if applied correctly will reduce food complaints and the risk of food poisoning. 

The course covers the following areas:

Introduction to food hygiene
Bacteria and their characteristics
Food poisoning and it’s prevention
Food pests and their control
Personal hygiene and working habits
The working environment and cleaning practices
Food safety legislation

Hazard analysis, and the implementation of food safety systems based on HACCP principles is incorporated into the course content.

At the end of this course there is a short multiple-choice test.  All successful candidates receive a REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene certificate.  While SAC offers “open” courses on a regular basis, courses can also be delivered in-house working around production shifts where possible.  Successful candidates may progress to the REHIS Intermediate Certificate in Food Hygiene.  Courses are training room based and interactive in nature.

Qualifications Needed: None. Introductory course aimed at catering staff, business proprietors and all food handlers. Also suitable for anyone involved in food retail, food service and food preparation.
Qualifications Obtained:

REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate.

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand the essentials of food hygiene and safety
be able to control hazards and practice good food hygiene
recognise common food hygiene problems and identify potential solutions
prepare and store food in a safe, hygienic manner
know the law that applies to food handlers and what you need to do to comply with the law

REHIS Food & Health Course

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:12:52 +0100

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: This one-day course (9.30am – 4.30pm) covers the relationship between food, nutrition and health. It is a course designed to provide nutritional information for people working in a wide range of catering facilities – from staff canteens, school kitchens, hospitals, nurseries, care homes and community groups to restaurants, hotels and cafes. Training is informal and carried out by a REHIS-approved food and nutrition trainer.
Programme:

Developed in conjunction with the Scottish Executive, Scottish Healthy Choices Award, NHS Health Scotland, The Food Standards Agency Scotland and the Scottish Community Diet Project, the course covers the following areas:

·         Basic nutrition and eating for health.

·         The relationship between food, health and well-being.

·         Making appropriate and effective quantitative and qualitative dietary changes. 

Qualifications Needed: The course provides participants with up-to-date information that extends their subject knowledge and understanding of the relationship between food and health.
Qualifications Obtained: As such it is hoped that those completing the course will be able to influence what Scottish people eat and be in a better position to support the Scottish Diet Action Plan.

REHIS Intermediate Food Hygiene Course

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:14:32 +0000

Location: SAC, Auchincruive, Ayr
Course Length: Three days - 24, 25 and 26 November 2009.
Programme:

This Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), aimed at supervisors and food business proprietors, provides an understanding of the relationship between food hygiene, food poisoning and food spoilage in addition to the socio-economic costs of poor food hygiene.

The following are covered:

Bacteriology
Bacterial Food Poisoning and Food Borne Infections
Non Bacterial Food Poisoning
Food Contamination and its Prevention
Personal Hygiene
Food Preservation, Food Storage and Temperature Control
The Working Environment, Cleaning and Disinfection
Common Food Pests and their Control
HACCP and Hazard Analysis
Legislation

Qualifications Needed: None. The course is aimed at supervisors/managers within food manufacturing and food service who require a more in-depth knowledge of food hygiene.
Qualifications Obtained:

REHIS Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate.

By the end of the course the participants will:

understand food hygiene and safety
be able to control hazards and practice good food hygiene
recognise common food hygiene problems and identify solutions
prepare and store food in a safe, hygienic manner
know and comply with the law that applies to food handlers

All Terrain Vehicles - Basic

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:23:30 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 2 day course
Programme:

2 day LANTRA Awards certified course covering:

Preventing accidents
Instruments and controls
Basic safe driving
Practical exercise
What is an ATV?
Daily checks
Start and Stop
Possible problems
Assessment

Qualifications Obtained: Lantra Awards Certificate

Brushcutters & Trimmers - Lantra Awards ITA

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:42:58 +0000

Brushwood Chippers

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:33 +0100

Location: Venue to be confirmed
Course Length: One day course and one day assessment
Programme:

 Cost £250 per candidate 

Qualifications Needed: No pre-requisites
Qualifications Obtained: NPTC AO6 - Certificate of Competence in Brushwood Chipper Operations

Drystane Dyking

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:47:41 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive Estate, Ayr
Course Length: Two days - 09.15 - 16.30 hrs.
Programme:

A largely practical two-day introductory course which will engage participants in the principles of drystane dyking and in constructing a drystane dyke or feature.

Health & safety
Principles of drystane dyking
Sorting stone
Construction

As a largely practical course participants should attend suitably attired for working outdoors. Safety boots or equivalent are required.

NOTE: Places are limited and are offered on a first come basis. Full payment should accompany your booking.

Excavator 180 degrees below/above 5 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:24:23 +0000

Excavator 360 Degree Crawler and Wheeled above 10 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:25:16 +0000

Excavator 360 Degree Crawler and Wheeled below 10 Metric Tonnes

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:26:31 +0000

Location: SAC Auchincruive
Course Length: 5 day course
Programme:

A 5 day CPCS Certified course covering:

Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges
Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator's handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation
Carry out all pre-use and running checks
Configure the excavator for site travel
Travel the machine over varying types of terrain including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines
Manoeuvre the excavator in confined areas
Set the machine to excavate
Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types
Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles/hoppers
Grade, spread and level different types of terrain
Remove and re-attach buckets
Place the machine in and out of service condition
Explain the loading and unloading prodedures on and off a transporter

Extension Methodology

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:59:39 +0000

Location: To be confirmed.
Course Length: Flexible, depending on clients' needs.
Programme:

The course objective is to assist knowledge transfer specialists in developing participatory client-centred approaches to providing advice, training and guidance to farmers and rural communities.

Typically, the course last 3-4 weeks and has four main themes:

Farm business management – to help put technical advice in a commercial context
Extension methodology – to emphasise the role of communication in bringing about change
Operational procedures and extension programmes – to illustrate the importance of planning and of having  clear objectives and targets
Extension systems, government policy and rural development – to examine alternative systems to the “Scottish Model” and assess extension service options for countries in economic transition

The course is run using participatory methods and includes case studies, farm visits and a one-week work placement in a SAC Farm Business Services office.

Qualifications Needed: The course is aimed at advisers in middle income and developing countries, researchers, academics and Euro Counsellors.
Qualifications Obtained:

By the end of the course the participants will be able to:

Analyse farm accounts to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the businesses
Design and deliver training sessions using participatory training techniques
Conduct presentations summarising key messages
Formulate extension programmes
Manage discussion groups
Write reports evaluating the Scottish approach to agricultural extension and identifying areas for application within their own country.

Fertiliser Advisers Certification And Training Scheme (FACTS)

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:09:52 +0000

Location: To be confirmed
Course Length: 4 days.
Programme:

The soil in relation to plant nutrition
Organic nutrient sources
The  nature and properties of fertilisers
Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing the amount of fertiliser required
Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
Application of fertilisers
Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the environment

Comprehensive handouts are provided.

Wildflower Identification

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:48:36 +0100