Thirty-four Ulster Bank agri-specialists will graduate from Ulster Bank’s Agriculture Accreditation programme early next month.

These Ulster Bank employees spent the last 12 months completing formal training modules and on-the-farm, practical work to bring them up to speed on agri matters and ensure they are best placed to provide meaningful help to farmers and other agri-businesses.

The training programme was launched in 2014 and is accredited though Chartered Banker.

The formal training modules involved an analysis of the agricultural sector in Ireland. Modules assessed farm business performance and efficiency standards, looked at EU policy and examined industry developments generally.

Practical experience

However, there is a strong focus on practical experience too. A Working With You module sees students spending time on farms, with vets, the Department of Agriculture and with industry groups such as Teagasc, to help give an insight into the specific needs of agri-customers.

Speaking about the programme, senior agricultural manager at Ulster BankDr Ailish Byrne said Ulster Bank’s Agri Accreditation Programme “is tailor-made for people who work directly with farmers and agri-businesses and ensures they have the tools and knowledge necessary to understand the specific needs of agri-customers”.

Special focus: agri careers

Thirty-four ag specialists to graduate from Ulster Bank course

Ulster Bank has put a special emphasis on bringing 34 members of its staff up to speed on all agricultural matters.