Six colleges offer Level 5 and 6 programmes in agriculture. These include the three Teagasc colleges, Ballyhaise, Clonakilty and Kildalton, and the three Teagasc-linked private agricultural colleges, Gurteen, Mountbellew and the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry. All of the agricultural colleges are also involved in higher-education delivery with partner higher education institutions.

Two colleges, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, and Kildalton College in Co Kilkenny, offer level 5 and 6 horticultural programmes. Both colleges provide high-quality, hands-on education and training in horticulture. They also deliver higher-education programmes in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology.

Kildalton College is also a nationally recognised centre for equine education and training and offers QQI-accredited programmes in horsemanship and stud management.

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For those seeking work in the forestry sector, Ballyhaise College is a very well recognised provider of skills based education and training at Level 5 and 6.

To get the Green Cert, you must complete a QQI-accredited Level 5 course first before moving on to Level 6.

Education is key

Highlighting the deadline for applications, Teagasc head of education Tony Pettit acknowledged that agricultural education is a key investment for the agri-food sector. Commenting on the high demand for courses he said: “Research has confirmed that Teagasc education provides a high economic return, both at individual farm level, and to the country at large. The Green Cert is now a prerequisite for a wide range of young farmer incentive schemes.

“Most adults are not in a position to attend full-time agricultural college courses. However, for some adults, the agricultural college option has proven to be a very suitable option and should not be discounted. Teagasc colleges and private college can advise individuals on the best options,” he said.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Teagasc website here. Alternatively, application forms can be obtained directly from the agricultural and horticultural colleges.