FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture (Part-Time Option)

Course Aim

This course, accredited by FETAC, is the introductory course for young people who wish to make their career as farmers. The course is suitable for people seeking employment on farms. Graduates of the course are eligible to:

• Progress to an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (or Advanced Certificate Specialisms)
• Transfer to year two of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture at an Institute of Technology
• Transfer to linked courses at Institutes of Technology through the Higher Education Links Scheme

Location

The Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture (Part-Time Option) will be offered at Ballyhaise College and Regional Centres in Mullingar & Navan.

Entry Requirements and Application Procedures

There is no minimum educational entry requirement but those who have completed the Leaving Certificate are likely to benefit most from the course. Applicants must be 17 years on 1 January following entry to the course.

Applications should be made directly to Ballyhaise College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. Tel. 049 4338108   

 Email ballyhaise.college@teagasc.ie

The course will commence in February 2012.

Course Structure and Content

This part-time course will be delivered through a combination of evening (mainly Ballyhaise College) and day course sessions. There will be 12 weeks on an approved training farm.*

Students acquire skills and knowledge relating to soils, plants, animal and crop production, machinery, the environment, farm buildings, personal development and health and safety.

Course sessions will consist of a combination of classroom (theory/technical aspects) and practical (skills demonstration and practice) sessions. A range of modules which will reflect the needs of the modern technical and business farmer will be included in the course.

Class session delivered in Ballyhaise College will be delivered from 6.30 - 9.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Some of the practical sessions will take place prior to classes on Thursdays commencing at 4pm.

Course sessions delivered in Regional Centres such as Mullingar and Navan will be delivered during the day.

Attendance records will be maintained throughout the course.

On-Farm Practical Training Period*

Students spend a 12-week practical training period on an approved training farm which has the enterprise of their specialism.

Award

On successful completion of the course students are awarded the FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture. This does not meet the training requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption. Participants who wish to meet the educational criteria for Stamp Duty Exemption will also need to successfully complete a Revenue approved Level 6 award in Agriculture. Teagasc will provide the appropriate Level 6 award programme as follow on to the Level 5 programme.

Course Fees

The charge for the course is €550 which includes registration, benchmark charge, workbooks, Macra membership, course materials and a FETAC certification fee of €50. Additional charges may apply where food and refreshments are provided.

A course induction evening will be held prior to the start of the course at which full details of the course will be provided and discussed. Information on the follow-on Level 6 programme will also be made available.

Progression

Students with this Level 5 award may opt for an Advanced Certificate in Agriculture or an Advanced Certificate in Dairying, Drystock, Mechanisation, Machinery and Crops.

Students with this Level 5 award may apply, via the Higher Education Links Scheme, for the Higher Certificate in Agriculture. Students with the Level 5 award at merit or distinction may apply directly to Waterford, Cork and Dundalk ITs for direct entry to year two of the Higher Certificate in Agriculture.

*This training applies to those under 23 years. Those over 23 years complete 6 months home farm involvement.