20 September 2024

Apply now for the Farm Technician and Farm Manager Apprenticeships

Amy Quinn of the Teagasc Pig Development Department tells us about apprenticeship programmes, which offer education and career pathways in the pig sector.

Good news for those looking to further their education in pig production and those wishing to upskill their farm staff. Both the Farm Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6) and Farm Manager (Ordinary Degree Level 7) Apprenticeship programme are open for applications and are expected to commence in late September. They are open to applications from various agricultural sectors however the Teagasc PDD are heavily involved in delivering the pig specific content. Each apprenticeship is two years in length and leads to a major award on the National Framework of Qualifications. Informative videos are available 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 will be available through Kildalton Agricultural College. Full details of the programme can be found here.

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. This year the Farm Technician apprenticeship will be available in both Clonakilty Agricultural College and Ballyhaise Agricultural College if there is enough demand. Full details of the programme can be found here.

The next steps for those interested

1. Register the farm to become an apprentice employer/host farm here. 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 student (e.g. identified employee) apply to become an apprentice.
2. Read the relevant programme guides detailing the course content and requirements.
3. Identify which programme you or your staff member is interested in; Level 6 Farm Technician or Level 7 Farm Manager

If you do not have a member of staff interested but are interested in hosting an apprentice then you can apply solely to be a host farm. You will be able to advertise an apprentice position on your farm and you may receive a farm apprentice to work on your farm. This is a route to formal pig education for those that have been already involved in the industry but do not have a host farm or also those who would like to get involved in the pig sector.

We encourage all farms interested to apply to be a host farm ASAP at the link provided to ensure they will be set up in time for students to commence the course. To find out more or to discuss further please contact your Teagasc Specialised Advisor.