Weighing up CAO options in agriculture

By Kay Kevlihan

Careers in agriculture can compete with any other sector in the variety of interesting employment options available. In addition to careers in farming, there are worthwhile careers available in farm management, consultancy, enterprise management, agri-business, agriculture contracting, environmental management and the food industry. Whatever the current trends, the agricultural, horticulture and food industries will continue to play a vital role in the nation's economy. They will always need top class, highly trained and educated young people.

Young people thinking of a future in agriculture or its related industries should inform themselves of the wide range of choices available. Courses range from degree, diploma and certificate level to Post Leaving Cert (PLC) in various education institutions around the country, from universities, institutes of technology and agricultural colleges to vocational and community schools.

Informed Decisions

With the CAO deadline on February 1, now is the time to seriously think about the type of career you will get satisfaction from in the future. It may not be a life-binding choice but to gain maximum benefit and satisfaction from further education or training, it is essential to do a little groundwork first. Drifting into a career that does not suit you can be avoided with a little basic preparation.

Give considerable time to the question of where your particular interests lie, what your abilities are and what type of career would suit your individual temperament and talents. For example, if you feel strongly that you would be happy working mainly outdoors and would find an indoor, office type position unappealing, then perhaps one of the courses we have listed is worth further investigation.

Where to get help

Before arriving at your decision it is important to make sure you are well informed and be sure to avail of whatever support is available. Those attending school should consult their school guidance counsellor and get access to careers information and advice and college applications handbooks. It is also advisable to check if fees are payable for courses you are interested in.

For those with internet access it is worth checking out the vital information which is available on the worldwide web. (See website guide for addresses). Consult guides to third level education and prospectuses for details of colleges and courses, including entry requirements and course content.

Requirements

Those applying through the CAO system should note that in addition to the points system, each higher education institution has its own basic or minimum entry requirements for admission, often referred to as matriculation.

Most universities require six subjects, (including English, Irish, and a third language for NUI colleges) with two Higher C3's, while Institutes of Technology typically require five passes in five subjects including maths, and English or Irish for diploma and certificate courses.

All colleges may require additional subject grades regarded as relevant to your career choice. For exact requirements it is important to check the prospectus for the relevant college in advance of application.

Your priorities

The quality of your Leaving Cert gives you choice, so it is very important to make application based on as wide a range of courses as possible within your chosen area and then put all your energies into your Leaving Cert effort. Come the summer, having put in a concerted effort and achieving to the best of your ability, you will be able to avail of whatever options are there for you.

It is always good to have a fall-back position with regard to courses in your area of interest. Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket and just applying through the CAO, don't be afraid to apply to the different education establishments such as vocational, community or comprehensive colleges for PLC courses, and to colleges of agriculture. In this way, when you receive your results in August you won't be disappointed as you will be able to avail of the best option open to you at that time.

Don't forget also that there is also the option to go directly into the workforce through apprenticeships, jobs in the services sector or to working on farms. This can be a good option for those who choose to combine work and study. It is also possible to return to further education at a later stage as never before have the choices for mature students and further education been better.

A very important point to mention is the transfer links that exist in agricultural and horticultural education and training.

It is possible for students on completing NCVA level 2 and 3 courses in agricultural and horticultural colleges, to transfer through the Links Scheme to higher education agri related courses in certain Institutes of Technology to NCEA Certificate and Diploma level.