Teagasc apprenticeships on offer

 ANYONE interested in becoming a farm manager can check out Teagasc’s apprenticeships.

Apprentices are offered paid employment, which is on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer during the two-year apprenticeship programme.

Course work or off-the-job training will take place at Teagasc Kildalton College and Teagasc Moorepark in three to five-day blocks and will be delivered by an integrated team of staff, including college lecturers, researchers, along with guest lecturers, including Irish farmers and industry experts.

They are accepting applications for their level 7 Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme, which starts in September.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must have a level 6 advanced certificate in agriculture or equivalent or higher award.

Those working in the agriculture sector for two years full-time with the relevant experience and a national framework of qualifications (NFQ) level 6 or higher qualification and be directly employed by a SOLAS approved employer may also apply.

Tim Ashmore, Kildalton College principal, explained that the Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme gives apprentices the opportunity ‘‘to earn while they learn, while also developing knowledge, skills and competencies in sustainable farming practices.” Mr Ashmore outlined that apprentices will be employed on commercial farms in Ireland for the duration of the programme.

Following completion of the programme, graduates will typically manage farm businesses or work in the wider agriculture industry.

The first step in the applications process is for the apprentice to gain employment with an approved employer. The next step is for the approved employer and apprentice to complete a registration form with the SOLAS authorised officer assigned to the approved employer.

For further information, log on to https://teagasc.ie.