The development of the four land-based apprenticeships and the increase in Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses have helped break down barriers to students entering further education.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture but are unsure if college is for you, it's worth considering an alternative pathway.
Alternative routes to the points system
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris says one of his key objectives has been to expand the pathways available to school leavers across Ireland. Speaking with Irish Country Living, he discusses the importance of developing alternative routes to further education.
“That is why we have increased the number of apprenticeship programmes, removed fees for further education and, last September, new degree courses were rolled out allowing students to access degrees outside the CAO system,” he explains.
“For decades, we have discussed the creation of a unified tertiary education system. One which more closely aligns the further education and training, higher education, and research and innovation sectors so that it can deliver the best outcomes for learners. One in which you are driven by the career you wish, rather than the points you get.
“This will ensure there are alternative routes to the points system. It will reduce dropout rates and crucially, it will ensure we have a system that is driven by the needs of the learners.”
Agriculture Apprenticeships
During 2023, approval was completed for four land-based apprenticeships delivered by Teagasc. These include; farm manager, farm technician, horticulture and sportsturf management. The development of the Assistant Stud Farm Manager apprenticeship is still being finalised.
“Expanding the number of apprenticeship programmes is key to developing careers in agriculture," says Minister Harris. “I am delighted there has already been a good uptake to date and I intend to do more to drive the number of available apprenticeships while also making sure that apprenticeships in general are perceived as being attractive pathways for our young people.”
He adds, “This is essential for the future of farming. We have to attract the next generation of farmers into the profession.”
Students who are currently undertaking apprenticeships and alternative routes in the sector outline their experiences and offer advice for any student looking at applying.
Diarmuid O’Sullivan (18), dairy farmer, Co Wexford
“My name is Diarmuid O’Sullivan. I am 18 years old and I live on a farm outside Gorey, Co Wexford. The farm enterprise consists of a 200-spring calving dairy herd, 80 dairy calves to beef and 38 pedigree sheep.
“I have just completed a Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture course in Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge and I am currently studying for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. On completion of this course, I will have a Green Cert and I will be classified as a 'young trained farmer'.
“I chose to attend Coláiste an Átha as it is close to where I live, and I can live at home while I am studying. I can support myself financially by milking cows for a local farmer in the mornings before college and I can help my father on the family farm in the evenings.
“The highlight of the course so far has been two trips abroad. The first trip was to visit the John Deere factory in Mannheim in Germany. The second brought us to the Case and Pöttinger factories in Austria.
“This Level 6 Certificate in Agriculture is nationally and internationally recognised and can offer students a pathway into further education. The college has also developed links with third level institutions and universities for those graduates who wish to continue their studies to degree level.”
Conor Comerford (28), Teagasc horticultural apprentice
Apprentice, Conor Comerford.
“My name’s Conor Comerford, I am 28 years old from Kilkenny City. I decided to do the new Horticulturulist Apprenticeship because I think it’s important that we are continuously learning and educating ourselves. I have over two years of experience in the industry and I have come to realise the importance of expanding my knowledge and staying up to date.
“I had heard about apprenticeships in the past but never found one that actually suited me until last year. The ability to work and learn simultaneously appealed to me the most because it allows you to apply the theory in a real-world setting.
“I work for Lodgepark Landscapes, a very experienced team based in Freshford, Kilkenny. The application process started off with showing your interest in the apprenticeship by registering online via ‘apprenticeship.ie’ (generation apprenticeship). In order to be employed, you need to working with a Solas approved business, so a member from the ETB is contacted and a date for a visit is scheduled. Once registered, then you are in the apprenticeship database. From there, we had informative zoom meetings with Teagasc and got our start date for the Botanical Gardens.
“The first few months have gone extremely well, the majority of what we are learning is relevant to us all in the ‘landscaping stream’, learning about plant identification, plant propagation and protection as well as horticultural machinery and health and safety in the workplace.”
Padhraic McEntee (24), Teagasc farm manager apprentice
Apprentice, Padhraic McEntee.
“My name is Padhraic McEntee, I’m from Co Monaghan. I decided to apply for the Farm Manager Apprenticeship to improve my skills and knowledge in order to run a commercial farm business with the latest practices.
“What drew me to the apprenticeship was the ability to earn while I learn. It also interested me as I feel I learn better with a more hands-on experience.
“I contacted Teagasc and got a list of farms who had registered with Solas to employ an apprentice. I approached John Clinton from Carlanstown Co Meath for employment. I then registered with Solas and Teagasc to let them know I had gained employment.
“I am enjoying the course so far, which has been primarily farm based. We are finished the autumn calving now and are about 50% of the way through the breeding for this group. We are currently putting together a spring rotation plan and slurry plan and preparing to start calving the main herd.
"The block releases take place at Kildalton College and Moorepark. We have completed seven college days out of the 40. I have found the classes interesting and informative and I am looking forward to the future block releases.
“I would highly recommend the course/apprenticeship if you are looking to get into a management position, especially if you are like me and like to be hands-on, learning on farm and implementing what you have learnt in college to see the results of these decisions first hand.
Seán Murphy (25), technical sales agronomist, Co Wexford
Post leaving cert, Seán Murphy.
“I'm from Oulart and am currently working as a technical sales agronomist for Gardiner Grain Ltd. I completed a QQI Level 5 Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course in general science in Enniscorthy vocational school after my Leaving Cert. This helped me get a place in UCD studying agricultural science.
“After my undergrad, I went on to do a masters in agricultural extension and innovation in UCD. The PLC gave me a great basis in all aspects of science – biology, chemistry and physics – which was very beneficial to me for my first year of college.
“My aim was to study Agricultural Science in UCD. As I didn’t achieve the required points that year, the QQI Level 5 was the best option for me.
“My advice to students would be look at every option available to you, don’t limit yourself. See what course and college best suits you. The CAO application can be stressful along with preparing for the mocks and the Leaving Cert but don’t be afraid to ask current or past students about their experiences or get in contact with the universities to see what they have to offer and what alternative routes are there.”
Read more
Agri Careers: gender pay gap - more women needed in senior positions
‘Just 1 Life’ road safety programme to save lives
The development of the four land-based apprenticeships and the increase in Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses have helped break down barriers to students entering further education.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture but are unsure if college is for you, it's worth considering an alternative pathway.
Alternative routes to the points system
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris says one of his key objectives has been to expand the pathways available to school leavers across Ireland. Speaking with Irish Country Living, he discusses the importance of developing alternative routes to further education.
“That is why we have increased the number of apprenticeship programmes, removed fees for further education and, last September, new degree courses were rolled out allowing students to access degrees outside the CAO system,” he explains.
“For decades, we have discussed the creation of a unified tertiary education system. One which more closely aligns the further education and training, higher education, and research and innovation sectors so that it can deliver the best outcomes for learners. One in which you are driven by the career you wish, rather than the points you get.
“This will ensure there are alternative routes to the points system. It will reduce dropout rates and crucially, it will ensure we have a system that is driven by the needs of the learners.”
Agriculture Apprenticeships
During 2023, approval was completed for four land-based apprenticeships delivered by Teagasc. These include; farm manager, farm technician, horticulture and sportsturf management. The development of the Assistant Stud Farm Manager apprenticeship is still being finalised.
“Expanding the number of apprenticeship programmes is key to developing careers in agriculture," says Minister Harris. “I am delighted there has already been a good uptake to date and I intend to do more to drive the number of available apprenticeships while also making sure that apprenticeships in general are perceived as being attractive pathways for our young people.”
He adds, “This is essential for the future of farming. We have to attract the next generation of farmers into the profession.”
Students who are currently undertaking apprenticeships and alternative routes in the sector outline their experiences and offer advice for any student looking at applying.
Diarmuid O’Sullivan (18), dairy farmer, Co Wexford
“My name is Diarmuid O’Sullivan. I am 18 years old and I live on a farm outside Gorey, Co Wexford. The farm enterprise consists of a 200-spring calving dairy herd, 80 dairy calves to beef and 38 pedigree sheep.
“I have just completed a Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture course in Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge and I am currently studying for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. On completion of this course, I will have a Green Cert and I will be classified as a 'young trained farmer'.
“I chose to attend Coláiste an Átha as it is close to where I live, and I can live at home while I am studying. I can support myself financially by milking cows for a local farmer in the mornings before college and I can help my father on the family farm in the evenings.
“The highlight of the course so far has been two trips abroad. The first trip was to visit the John Deere factory in Mannheim in Germany. The second brought us to the Case and Pöttinger factories in Austria.
“This Level 6 Certificate in Agriculture is nationally and internationally recognised and can offer students a pathway into further education. The college has also developed links with third level institutions and universities for those graduates who wish to continue their studies to degree level.”
Conor Comerford (28), Teagasc horticultural apprentice
Apprentice, Conor Comerford.
“My name’s Conor Comerford, I am 28 years old from Kilkenny City. I decided to do the new Horticulturulist Apprenticeship because I think it’s important that we are continuously learning and educating ourselves. I have over two years of experience in the industry and I have come to realise the importance of expanding my knowledge and staying up to date.
“I had heard about apprenticeships in the past but never found one that actually suited me until last year. The ability to work and learn simultaneously appealed to me the most because it allows you to apply the theory in a real-world setting.
“I work for Lodgepark Landscapes, a very experienced team based in Freshford, Kilkenny. The application process started off with showing your interest in the apprenticeship by registering online via ‘apprenticeship.ie’ (generation apprenticeship). In order to be employed, you need to working with a Solas approved business, so a member from the ETB is contacted and a date for a visit is scheduled. Once registered, then you are in the apprenticeship database. From there, we had informative zoom meetings with Teagasc and got our start date for the Botanical Gardens.
“The first few months have gone extremely well, the majority of what we are learning is relevant to us all in the ‘landscaping stream’, learning about plant identification, plant propagation and protection as well as horticultural machinery and health and safety in the workplace.”
Padhraic McEntee (24), Teagasc farm manager apprentice
Apprentice, Padhraic McEntee.
“My name is Padhraic McEntee, I’m from Co Monaghan. I decided to apply for the Farm Manager Apprenticeship to improve my skills and knowledge in order to run a commercial farm business with the latest practices.
“What drew me to the apprenticeship was the ability to earn while I learn. It also interested me as I feel I learn better with a more hands-on experience.
“I contacted Teagasc and got a list of farms who had registered with Solas to employ an apprentice. I approached John Clinton from Carlanstown Co Meath for employment. I then registered with Solas and Teagasc to let them know I had gained employment.
“I am enjoying the course so far, which has been primarily farm based. We are finished the autumn calving now and are about 50% of the way through the breeding for this group. We are currently putting together a spring rotation plan and slurry plan and preparing to start calving the main herd.
"The block releases take place at Kildalton College and Moorepark. We have completed seven college days out of the 40. I have found the classes interesting and informative and I am looking forward to the future block releases.
“I would highly recommend the course/apprenticeship if you are looking to get into a management position, especially if you are like me and like to be hands-on, learning on farm and implementing what you have learnt in college to see the results of these decisions first hand.
Seán Murphy (25), technical sales agronomist, Co Wexford
Post leaving cert, Seán Murphy.
“I'm from Oulart and am currently working as a technical sales agronomist for Gardiner Grain Ltd. I completed a QQI Level 5 Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course in general science in Enniscorthy vocational school after my Leaving Cert. This helped me get a place in UCD studying agricultural science.
“After my undergrad, I went on to do a masters in agricultural extension and innovation in UCD. The PLC gave me a great basis in all aspects of science – biology, chemistry and physics – which was very beneficial to me for my first year of college.
“My aim was to study Agricultural Science in UCD. As I didn’t achieve the required points that year, the QQI Level 5 was the best option for me.
“My advice to students would be look at every option available to you, don’t limit yourself. See what course and college best suits you. The CAO application can be stressful along with preparing for the mocks and the Leaving Cert but don’t be afraid to ask current or past students about their experiences or get in contact with the universities to see what they have to offer and what alternative routes are there.”
Read more
Agri Careers: gender pay gap - more women needed in senior positions
‘Just 1 Life’ road safety programme to save lives
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: