Meath graduates celebrate being Ireland’s first higher education apprentices in land-based sectors
Teagasc marked a significant milestone with the graduation of apprentices from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf, strengthening “earn while you learn” pathways into Higher Education and skilled employment.
Of those who graduated, four students are from Meath. Tadhg Tallon from Lisdornan was awarded a Higher Certificate in Horticulture (NFQ Level 6) College of Horticulture Teagasc – National Botanic Gardens, Chloe O'Brien from Crossakiel was awarded a Higher Certificate in Technical Farm Operations (NFQ Level 6) Clonakilty College and Seán Hughes from Summerhill was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management (NFQ Level 7) Kildalton College. Not pictured is Darren Ryan from Ashbourne who was awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) Kildalton College.
The Graduation event took place in Tullamore on Wednesday 4th February. Graduates were presented with their certificates by Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills.
Teagasc’s involvement in apprenticeships began following a national call in 2017 for consortia-led apprenticeship proposals. Traditionally a provider of Further Education Level 5 and Level 6 programmes, Teagasc partnered with industry-led Consortia Groups to develop apprenticeship pathways aligned to workforce needs in the land-based sector.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr. Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, said; “Today marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2017 to re-introduce the apprenticeship model as an additional education and training opportunity for the agriculture, horticulture and sports turf sectors. The linkage with real-world training and skills needs through the support of the industry consortia, combined with the practical and hands-on ‘earn as you learn’ approach makes it an exciting and attractive option for learners into the future”.