Farm apprenticeship programme – What you need to know
The Teagasc Farm Apprenticeship programme commenced in December 2023, offering the Farm Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6) programme and Farm Manager (Bachelor Degree Level 7) programme. The apprenticeship programmes are across different commercial farming enterprises and Teagasc Pig Development Department are heavily involved in delivering the pig specific content.
To date we have been involved in delivering the Level 6 Farm Technician programme in conjunction with Clonakilty Agricultural College. However, numbers are low from the pig industry and will need to increase if we are to be in a position to offer the apprenticeship programmes for the pig industry from September 2025.
To remind you what’s involved, the Farm Technician programme is for those who wish to pursue a career in the agricultural industry as a farm technician or for existing personnel in the industry who would like to gain a qualification. It trains apprentices to operate successfully within Irish farming systems, gaining skills in daily operations, compliance with industry standards and regulatory measures. It will lead to a Level 6 Higher certificate. Full details of the he Farm Technician programme can be found here.
The farm manager programme 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. It will lead to a Level 7 degree and is available through Kildalton Agricultural College. Full details on the farm manager programme can be found here.
Each apprenticeship is two years in length and leads to a major award on the National Framework of Qualifications. Informative videos are available here.
As mentioned, we need sufficient registered apprentices from the pig industry if we are to run the programme from September 2025. If you have a member of staff that is interested in either programme you will need to register to be a SOLAS Approved Employer and the staff member will have to apply to be an apprentice. If you do not have a member of staff interested but are interested in employing an apprentice then you can apply to be a SOLAS Approved Employer and you will be able to advertise an apprentice position whereby you recruit a farm apprentice to work on your farm as part of their apprenticeship programme. This provides an education route for those already involved in the industry but also those who would like to be.
The next steps for those interested
- Register the farm to become an apprentice employer. After this there will be a number of follow up steps to complete registration, including a phone call and a site visit. Only after this is complete and the farm has been approved by SOLAS can the potential employee apply to become an apprentice.
- Read the relevant programme guides detailing the programme content and apprentice entry requirements.
- Identify which programme you or your staff member is interested in; Level 6 Farm Technician or Level 7 Farm Manager
We all know how hard you and your team work every day and the right training can make that work even more efficient, safe, and rewarding. By signing your farm up as a SOLAS Approved Employer or by sending staff to the apprenticeship programme, you’re not just building skills, you’re building confidence, improving productivity, and ensuring the future success of your farm. The Farm Apprenticeship programme doesn’t just benefit your farm, it keeps the industry strong. Your participation helps keep expert training available and accessible to all.
To find out more or to discuss further please contact your Teagasc Specialised Advisor, Clonakilty Agricultural College (+3538832500) or Marcella Phelan (National Apprenticeship Programme Co-ordinator, Teagasc – Curriculum & Development Standards Unit) at marcella.phelan@teagasc.ie
For further information check out the Generation Apprenticeship portal or the apprenticeships section on the Teagasc website