Teagasc Level 7 Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme Open for Applications

Apprentices will engage in the Earn While you Learn model, whereby they will engage in paid employment (on-the-job training) with a SOLAS Approved Employer during the two-year apprenticeship programme. Course work (off-the-job training) will take place at Teagasc Kildalton College and Teagasc Moorepark in 3–5-day blocks and will be delivered by an integrated team of Teagasc staff including college lecturers, researchers and knowledge transfer specialists, with input from guest lecturers including Irish farmers and industry experts.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must have a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (or equivalent or higher award), or anyone working in the agriculture sector for 2 years full-time with the relevant experience, and a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 or higher qualification and be directly employed by a SOLAS Approved Employer.

Tim Ashmore, Teagasc Kildalton College Principal said;” The Farm Manager Apprenticeship programme gives apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn, while also developing knowledge, skills and competencies in sustainable farming practices. Apprentices will be employed on commercial farms in Ireland for the duration of the programme.”

Co-ordinator of the Teagasc Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme, Dr. Emma-Louise Coffey explained that following completion graduates of this programme are highly equipped to step into exciting and dynamic roles in farm management, farm business ownership, or roles in the wider agriculture sector.

The first step in the applications process is for the apprentice to gain employment with an Approved Employer. The next step is for the Approved Employer and Apprentice to complete an Apprentice Registration Form with the SOLAS Authorised Officer assigned to the Approved Employer. For further information check out the Generation Apprenticeship portal here or the Teagasc website here

Upon completion of the Farm Manager Apprenticeship programme, the Apprentice will hold a QQI Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management.