24 September 2023

Significant farmer demand to host apprentices

Up to 100 farms have registered to take on the first ever farming apprentices this year. Two new farming apprenticeships – the Farm Manager apprenticeship and the Farm Technician apprenticeship – will host 30 students on each programme over a two year duration.

Apprentices will be employed by commercial farm enterprises such as arable, dairy, cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and suckler farm enterprises.

The Farm Manager apprenticeship creates a pathway to a managerial career in the agricultural sector, equipping the apprentice with the latest research and best practice management knowledge to successfully run a commercial farm business. The Farm Technician apprenticeship trains apprentices to operate successfully within Irish farming systems, gaining skills in daily operations, compliance with industry standards and regulatory measures.

The Farm Manager apprenticeship will lead to a Level 7 degree and will initially be available through the Teagasc Kildalton College, Piltown, Kilkenny, while the Farm Technician Level 6 will be available in Teagasc Clonakilty College, Cork and Teagasc Ballyhaise College Cavan.

Speaking recently, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said: “The apprenticeship programmes were launched in August and were an initial step into the area of farming.

“We are delighted to see such a high level of interest in the first month. This is in addition to the 40 other employers seeking to take on our new horticultural and sportsturf management apprentices. Apprentices will start next month in our agricultural colleges and we will be looking to expand and grow this next year.”

Also read: New farming apprenticeships are open for applications