Kildare graduates convene at Teagasc apprenticeship ceremony

Four Kildare apprentices celebrated their graduation from Teagasc apprenticeship programmes.

Teagasc marked a significant milestone with the graduation of apprentices from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf.

Darragh McDonald from Suncroft was awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) from Kildalton College, Mario Bockovac from Maynooth was awarded a Higher Certificate in Horticulture (NFQ Level 6) College of Horticulture Teagasc from the National Botanic Gardens, Darragh Sloane from Donadea was awarded a Higher Certificate in Horticulture (NFQ Level 6) College of Horticulture Teagasc from the National Botanic Gardens, and Richard Horton from Maynooth was awarded a Higher Certificate in Horticulture (NFQ Level 6) College of Horticulture Teagasc from the National Botanic Gardens.

The graduation event took place in Tullamore on Wednesday 4 February. Graduates were presented with their certificates by Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills.

Speaking at the event, Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, said; “Today marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2017 to re-introduce the apprenticeship model as an additional education and training opportunity for the agriculture, horticulture and sports turf sectors. 

"The linkage with real-world training and skills needs through the support of the industry consortia, combined with the practical and hands-on ‘earn as you learn’ approach makes it an exciting and attractive option for learners into the future”.