Teagasc is “progressing through the steps necessary” to offer apprenticeships in a number of areas, a spokesperson has exclusively revealed to That’s Farming.
The official confirmation follows a statement from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, in which he outlined that a number of apprenticeship programme are due for launch in 2023.
The latest raft of apprenticeships cover tech, engineering, agriculture, horticulture, hospitality and media.
These are an addition to the further 11, which are currently in development, and the 66 programmes already available nationwide.
According to Minister Harris’ statement, the following new apprenticeship programmes are due for launch in 2023 –
- Sports Turf Management NFQ Level 6 – Q2 2023;
- Farm Manager NFQ Level 7 – Q3 2023;
- Farm Technician NFQ Level 6 – Q3 2023;
- Horticulture NFQ Level 6 – Q3 2023;
- Advanced Quantity Surveyor NFQ Level 9 – Q3 2023;
- Executive Chef NFQ Level 9 – Q4 2023;
- Precision Machinist & Quality Control NFQ Level 6 – Q3 2023;
- Civil Engineering NFQ Level 6 – Q3 2023
- Civil Engineering NFQ Level 7 – Q3 2023
- Digital Marketing & Media NFQ Level 6 added – Q4 2023.
Apprenticeship programmes
A spokesperson for Teagasc told That’s Farming: “Teagasc has received approval from QQI to deliver the sportsturf apprenticeship, and we are currently completing the recommendations issued by QQI.”
“It is planned to take in 20 apprentices for this apprenticeship in September 2023, but we are not open for applications yet. The most advanced apprenticeship programme is the sportsturf one,” the spokesperson added.
Harris’ department
In an exclusive statement to That’s Farming, a spokesperson for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, outlined:
“Until recently, legislation has prohibited statutory apprenticeships in an area of agriculture, horticulture, or fishing.”
“That has now changed due to the passage of the Higher Education Authority Bill.”
“The roll-out of apprenticeships in Farm Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6) and Farm Manager (Ordinary Degree Level 7) and Horticulture (Higher Certificate Level 6) will commence this year.”
“Teagasc will now begin working with employers to train them in apprenticeship management, and students will be accepted from September,” the spokesperson concluded.
