Agricultural & Horticulture - Farm Technician - Apprenticeship
This programme provides apprentices with knowledge of farm operations with a strong foundation of sustainable agriculture production, health and safety, quality assurance, business and work organisation skills.
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years
Apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer over the 2 years.
Off-the-job training will be a total of 10 weeks per year.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must:
• Be employed full time by a ‘SOLAS approved employer’ in a Sportsturf setting
• Have achieved a pass in the Leaving Certificate Established (NFQ Level 5)* or Vocational Programme (NFQ Level 5)*, obtaining a minimum grade O6/H7 in Maths** or a F2 in Foundation Maths, and O6/H7 in four other subjects*
or
• Hold a Major QQI level 5 (or higher) Award*
or
• Hold a Level 6 Specific Purpose in Farming certificates*
or
• Be 18 years of age and have worked for two years in a land-based sector (such as farming, agricultural contracting, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture or the equine sector)
* A qualification deemed equivalent on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications to any of the qualifications listed above.
** Note – Applicants may be required to demonstrate that they possess the required competency through the completion of a pre-entry maths assessment with Teagasc.
The programme is delivered through the medium of English and apprentices must meet CEF Level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Language). Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. The certificate of the English language standard must have been issued within 2 years of the expected start of a course.
Careers / Further progression
You may then choose to work as a Farm Technician on commercial farm enterprises such as the following:
• Arable farming
• Cattle farming
• Pig farming
• Poultry farming
• Sheep farming
• Suckler farming
You may also use the qualification to progress within the sector and/or to higher education programmes.
Further information
Off-the-Job College Locations:
• Teagasc, Ballyhaise College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. H12 E392.
• Teagasc, Clonakilty Agricultural College, Darrara, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. P85 AX52
The cost of the apprenticeship is €1,375 per year of the programme. Associated costs such as travel and accommodation for the off-the-job block release is extra.
This is a two-year programme. The employer pays the Apprentice for the duration of the Apprenticeship including time spent off the job in college. The rate of pay is agreed between the Employer and the Apprentice. Up to date information on programme fees is available on the Teagasc website.
Application Process:
Step 1: To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must:
Be directly employed by a SOLAS approved employer.
Meet the entry requirements mentioned above.
Step 2: The approved SOLAS employer will start the registration process with SOLAS (The Further Education and Training Authority).
Step 3: Applicant's application will be assessed by Teagasc in consultation with SOLAS.
Step 4: If successful, applicant will be registered as an apprentice both with SOLAS and Teagasc.
Step 5: Apprentice will be called for induction training and off-the-job learning block release.
The qualified apprentice will be capable of planning, implementing and supervising daily operations in a farm enterprise while observing best practice and complying with legislative, environmental and safety requirements. This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn while gaining valuable experience on commercial farms to progress your career opportunities.
Programme
This Farm Technician Apprenticeship is a two-year programme, developed in consultation with industry.
As part of this programme, apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer.
Off-the-job training will take place in a Teagasc College supported by online learning. Off-the-job training will also include visits to industry / agricultural research locations.
Off-the-job training will be a total of 10 weeks per year.
Employers are required to:
• Be a SOLAS approved employer
• Nominate a workplace mentor
• Release the apprentice for the ‘off-the-job’ block release days
• Pay the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship
Overview of Programme Modules
Year 1 / Stage 1:
• Introduction to Business & Technology of Farming
Health and Safety on the Farm
• Environment and Science of Farming
• Quality Assurance, Regulation & Compliance
• Farm Operation Skills & Work Routines
• People Skills – Teamwork & Supervisory
Year 2 / Stage 2:
• Farm Administration & Business Skills
• Lean Management & Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
• Sustainable Farm Production
• Farm Enterprise Monitoring & Evaluation
• Farm Operation Planning & Record Keeping
• Apprentice Project
Qualifications
On completion of the programme, the Apprentice will hold a nationally recognised QQI Level 6 Higher Certificate in Technical Farm
Operations 6M22165
Contact:
Marcella Phelan
National Apprenticeship Programme Co-ordinator,
Curriculum Development and Standards Unit
Teagasc Kildalton, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.
Phone: 0516 44508
email: marcella.phelan@teagasc.ie
www.teagasc.ie/education
www.apprenticeship.ie