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Low student applications for the IT Tralee level seven course in agricultural mechanisation have resulted in the programme being cancelled this year.
However, while there was no student intake for September 2019, a spokesperson for the college said that it is expected to go ahead in September 2020.
Normally there are up to 16 applications for the course, which is linked to the machinery industry through the FTMTA.
Tralee IT's agricultural mechanics students have had quite a high profile recently, as a result of their project to create an electrically-powered toy tractor to promote safety for the Irish Farmers Journal.
It is understood that the low level of interest for the course is not connected to the construction revival.
Work placement
“Students who apply for this programme are required to have an industry sponsor, where they will undertake their work placement in the second semester of each year,” said head of department of engineering Dr Pat Carney.
"Securing an industry sponsor can be challenging for the student and ITT is working with the FTMTA to address this challenge."
A spokesperson for Pallaskenry Agricultural College said that the number of students applying to its level seven mechanisation course remained steady this year.
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