Stud Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme

In the final stages of development subject to NAO and QQI approval

Overview

Teagasc in collaboration with the Equine Consortium Group are developing a Level 7 Stud Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme which is required to be approved by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

The apprenticeship will be coordinated by Kildalton College subject to QQI approval.

The apprenticeship will be 3 years in duration, during which time the apprentice employee will be in full-time employment with the approved employer.

Equine Stud Manager Apprenticeship Webinar

AnneMarie Butler, Head of Teagasc Education, hosted a webinar to discuss apprenticeships in the Equine Stud Management area and the potential benefits for employers taking on apprentices.

Joining AnneMarie in studio were:

Peter O’Reilly, CEO, ITBA
Marcella Phelan, Teagasc National Apprenticeship Programme Specialist
Kate Solon, Teagasc Assistant Principal of Equine, Kildalton College.

Key topics discussed included:

What an Equine apprenticeship programme is
Why employers should get involved
The benefits for both employers and apprentices

Watch the webinar recording:

Programme Structure

3-year programme
80% of the time the apprentice will spend on-the-job and 20% off-the-job in a Teagasc / Industry location
20% off-the-job is approximately 10 weeks per year of the programme (40 days approximately in a Teagasc/Industry location within online classes to support apprentices)
Depending on college resources, scheduled block release and online classes where possible will be arranged during off-peak busy periods on the stud farm.

Employer Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to become an approved Employer (Subject to Approval)?

Watch the ‘How to become an approved employer’ video here

Does the business directly employ the apprentice?

Yes, the employer must directly employ the apprentice employee.
Note: subcontracting arrangements do not suffice as per the SOLAS Apprenticeship Code of Practice and the SOLAS Employer Suitability to Trian Apprentices form.

How long is the apprenticeship?

3 years

What is the minimum number of equines?

The main enterprise should have 5 or more breeding mares.

What experience, educational qualifications or criteria would an employer need?

The Consortium has proposed criteria for the employers as follows:

Record of successfully managing the relevant equine enterprise with 5 years of experience in the stud farm enterprise relevant to the occupation.
Nominated Workplace Mentor (Formal Qualification – Minimum Level 5 and 5 years’ experience working in the equine industry).
Note – Approved Employer in some instances may also act as the Workplace Mentor
Availability of relevant stud farm enterprise information
Compliance with Health and Safety
Provision of Apprentice Welfare requirements (e.g. changing facilities, canteen, accommodation if applicable, etc.)

As an Employer or Workplace Mentor will I be provided with resources and training to support my role in the programme?

The approved employer and workplace mentor will be provided with training. There will be mandatory training and continuous professional development training provided.
The approved employer and workplace mentor will be provided with resources for the programme by the coordinating college.

When will my apprentice do their off-the-job training?

The off-the-job training will be a total of 10 weeks per year of each of the programmes.
The off-the-job training will comprise of off-the-job training in a Teagasc/Industry location plus online classes.
Off-the-job training in a Teagasc/Industry location will be in block release periods determined by Kildalton College.
Attendance for off-the-job training is mandatory.

What is the maximum number of apprentices I can employ per year?

It is proposed the maximum number of apprentices per employer is 2 apprentices per year.

How much do I pay the apprentice?

The employer pays the apprentice a salary while they are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job, therefore the apprentice is paid for the duration of the apprenticeship
The rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and employer. Basic pay will be the minimum wage.

Can the apprentice use holidays for off-the-job periods in college?

No, holidays cannot be used for the 10 weeks per year for off-the-job college time. The apprentice is entitled to their statutory leave allowance.

How do I find an apprentice?

A apprenticeship is a contract of employment between the approved employer and the apprentice.
Potential apprentices will contact the approved employer directly for an apprenticeship job.
Approved employers can advertise a job on the apprenticeship website or approve SOLAS to put their information on an employer database.
Visit the apprenticeship website jobs portal

Will Teagasc find me an apprentice?

No, the approved employer will recruit their own apprentice for full-time employment between the approved employer and their apprentice employee.

Does the apprentice receive the “Green Cert” when they have the apprenticeship completed?

The programme has yet to be reviewed and approved for “Green Cert” status.

How much is the employer grant?

Approved employers may apply for an employer grant where they can receive €2000 per apprentice per year.

Does the apprentice pay a fee for the programme?

Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in Teagasc, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.
The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution for each year of the programme.
The programme fee is to be approved by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

For queries, please contact apprenticeships@teagasc.ie