New entry route to Farm Managers Apprenticeship

Operating under a ‘earn while you learn’ model, demand for Teagasc land-based apprenticeships has grown in recent years.

That’s according to Dr. Emma-Louise Coffey, Programme Co-ordinator of the Farm Manager Apprenticeship, who joined Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist, Ruth Fennell on a webinar titled: ‘Teagasc Education: Flexible Learning Pathways from Level 5 to Level 10’, produced as part of Generational Renewal Week 2026.

Discussing the benefits of both the Farm Manager Apprenticeship (NFQ Level 7), delivered between Kildalton College and Moorepark, and the Farm Technician Apprenticeship (NFQ Level 6), delivered from Clonakilty Agricultural College, Dr. Coffey outlined how participants are rewarded financially and can avail of an annual leave entitlement, while – at the same time – progressing their education and gaining a qualification.

“With both these qualifications, you will be Green Cert certified, which will be important for many learners. Outside of the pay and qualification, you are developing a high level of skill and technical knowledge, and in the Farm Manager Apprenticeship, there is also a focus on people management and financial literacy,” Dr. Coffey explained.

As to the format of the apprenticeships, Dr. Coffey noted that participants will spend 80% of their time on the job and 20% in college. For the former, apprentices will essentially be in full-time employment for two years where they will be in receipt of at least the minimum wage.

“Off-the job, they will spend 40 days at college, working out at approximately 3-5 days per month,” Dr. Coffey explained, a period through which they’ll engage in a combination of lectures, skills practicals, discussion groups and hear from industry speakers. Attractively, the apprenticeship model also follows a continuous assessment-based format, based predominately around project completion.

Entry requirements

To sign up to the apprenticeship programmes, Dr Coffey explained that applicants must gain employment with a Solas approved employer, meet specific academic criteria and be a minimum of 18 years of age.

For the Farm Manager Apprenticeship, she explained, the most common entrant is typically those who have completed either the Level 6 Farm Technician Apprenticeship or those who have completed a relevant Level 5 and 6 courses through an agricultural college.

However, an alternative entry route has been created, with Dr. Coffey explaining: “There is a new entry route at level 7 level (Farm Manager Apprenticeship) that applies to a lot of people who are now joining careers in farming from other enterprises and that is a Major QQI Level 6+ award with two years full-time experience in the land-based sector.”

This entry steam, Dr. Coffey explained might suit those entering agriculture from teaching, engineering, accounting, nursing or other professions who – with the relevant hands-on experience – are seeking to develop their farm manager skillset.

For further details, watch Dr. Coffey’s presentation to the Teagasc Education: Flexible Learning Pathways from Level 5 to Level 10 webinar below:

For further details on Teagasc Apprenticeship Programmes, visit here.