Applications are now open for two new farm apprenticeships, with students starting the two-year courses in September, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has announced.

The farm manager apprenticeship creates a pathway to a managerial career in the agricultural sector, equipping the apprentice with the latest research and best practice management knowledge to successfully run a commercial farm business.

The farm technician apprenticeship trains apprentices to operate successfully within Irish farming systems, gaining skills in daily operations, compliance with industry standards and regulatory measures.

'Exciting development'

Apprentices will be employed by commercial farm enterprises such as arable, dairy, cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and suckler farm enterprises.

“This is a really exciting development for both the education and the farming sector,” Minister Harris said.

“These apprenticeship programmes will welcome their first apprentices in September. Embedding these programmes will be essential to securing the future of farming.

“This investment will ensure the next generation of farmers can access the education they want and need, while still working on the farm.”

These apprenticeship programmes will welcome their first apprentices in September

The farm manager apprenticeship will lead to a Level 7 degree and will initially be available through the Teagasc Kildalton College, Piltown, Kilkenny, while the farm technician Level 6 will be available in Teagasc Clonakilty College, Cork, and Teagasc Ballyhaise College, Cavan.

Each apprenticeship is two years in length and will lead to a major award on the national framework of qualifications.

Horticulture

An apprenticeship in horticulture will also be available through the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

The horticulture apprenticeship is for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the horticultural sector or existing personnel employed in a horticultural facility that would like to gain a recognised qualification.

This programme will equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills and competence to work in their chosen field of horticulture.

The programme has six streams within it and the apprentice must stay within the stream for the duration of the programme:

  • 1. Fruit stream.
  • 2. Garden and parks stream.
  • 3. Garden centre stream.
  • 4. Hard landscaping stream.
  • 5. Nursery production stream.
  • 6. Vegetable stream.

    • Apprentices on the programmes will engage in an integrated programme of workplace training along-side traditional classroom and blended on-line delivery.

    Reaction

    Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) farm family and social affairs chair Alice Doyle said: “[The] IFA welcomes the new agricultural apprenticeships, which will provide a real and substantive career pathway for school leavers, those looking to upskill or change their careers and get back to employment in new and growing areas.

    “These apprenticeships will help to develop knowledge and skills within the agricultural sector and will help with labour shortages within the sector,” she said.

    Head of education in Teagasc Dr Anne Marie Butler said: “The introduction of apprenticeships in agriculture and horticulture adds significantly to Teagasc’s education and training offering to students.

    “The apprenticeship route will open job and career opportunities for young people and we look forward to taking in trainee apprentices this autumn.”