Land-based Sector Vocational Taster
About this course
What is it?
The ASDAN Land-based Sector Vocational Taster gives learners a practical introduction to land-based industries. It is particularly suitable for learners following alternative or flexible curriculum pathways, helping them explore employment opportunities and make informed decisions about their next steps in education, training or work.
The course covers six areas:
- agriculture
- animal care
- horticulture
- environment and land management
- health and safety in the land-based sector
- careers in the land-based sector.
Through practical challenges, learners develop their knowledge of the sector alongside transferable skills for learning, life and work.
The course is delivered using the Land-based Sector student book.
Withdrawal information
ASDAN is withdrawing all Vocational Taster course titles. Registrations and student books for the Land-based Sector Vocational Taster will remain available until 31 December 2026. The final date for certification is 31 August 2027.
ASDAN will continue to support centres with learners who are already registered, giving them sufficient time to complete the course.
If you are concerned about the impact of this change on your learners, please contact us
Who is it for?
Short Courses are widely used in formal and non-formal settings, by 13-19 year olds. Because they are multi-level, the focus is on completing challenges and skills development according to individual ability, although learners are expected to be working at Entry level 3 to Level 1.
Course information
- offers flexible, portfolio-based learning
- can be adapted for learners working at different levels
- accredits between 10 and 60 hours of activities and skills development
- is assessed and internally moderated by the centre
- can count as up to three of the credits needed to achieve ASDAN’s Personal Development Programmes
- can support skills development for ASDAN’s Personal Effectiveness Qualifications
- may contribute to recognition of prior learning where the required standards are met in full.
Requirements
Learners must present evidence of their activities in an organised portfolio.
This should include:
- a record of the challenges completed, with supporting evidence
- recording documents showing how the learner planned and reviewed their activities
- a summary of achievement highlighting skills development
- a personal statement.
Course content
This vocational taster contains six modules, corresponding to different aspects
of the land-based sector:
- Agriculture
- Animal care
- Horticulture
- Environment and land management
- Health and safety in the land-based sector
- Careers in the land-based sector
Each learner will need their own copy of the student book or an e-portfolio login – this contains the challenge content and recording documents.
Download sample pages from the Land-based Sector Vocational Taster student book.
For guidance on running ASDAN Short Courses, please see our step-by-step guide
ASDAN training supports educators to deliver our courses successfully. Sessions provide an introduction to the course alongside guidance on delivery, assessment and internal moderation.
Training is included as part of ASDAN membership for organisations joining or renewing after 1 April 2026, excluding tailored INSET.
All costs shown below are per candidate, unless otherwise stated. Each learner will need their own copy of the student book. Books or registrations purchased for Short Courses are valid for three years from the date of purchase.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Land-based Sector Vocational Taster student book | £12 |
| Land-based Sector Vocational Taster PDF certificate | Free |
| Land-based Sector Vocational Taster printed and foiled certificate (optional, per learner, per Vocational Taster or Short Course) | £3.75 |
Products can be purchased below.
Products
Course resources
Short Courses summary of achievement and personal statement : PDF version (mandatory)
Short Courses summary of achievement and personal statement : Word version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 1 : PDF version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 1 : Word version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 2 : PDF version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 2 : Word version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 3 : PDF version (mandatory)
Short Courses skills sheet 3 : Word version (mandatory)