Higher Certificate in Agricultural Mechanisation
| Duration: | Two Years |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | HETAC / Limerick IT |
| Course Code: | LC841 |
| Progression: | Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agricultural) Level 7 Bachelor Degree in Engineering Technology Level 8 |
| Location: | Pallaskenry College and Limerick Institute of Technology |
| Method of application: | CAO |
| Maintenance Grant: | VEC (means tested) |
Course Aim
The course provides education and training for students to enable them to understand the core subjects of agricultural mechanisation. The focus of this course is firmly on the provision of skilled technicians for the farm machinery industry in Ireland. The course will enable graduates to function in the machinery retail, machinery operation sector and allied agricultural machinery and manufacturing industries.
Location
The two year course is delivered in partnership by the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology. Course Code: LC841.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
Applicants must apply through the CAO. Applicants must have passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects at ordinary level (Grade D3 or better). The subjects passed must include Maths and either English or Irish. The standard points system is used to rank applicants. Holders of Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) awards at Level 5 & Level 6 and mature students may also apply through the CAO.
Course Structure and Content
Year One
During year one student’s spend four days per week at the Agricultural College and one day per week at the Institute of Technology.
Students take the following subjects: tractor engineering and workshop processes; electrical and electronic technology; machinery operation; agricultural engineering science; computer studies (including CAD) and project work.
Students go on nine months work experience to approved training locations – garages, contractors, fabricators etc. Students will be facilitated with foreign placements in the USA and New Zealand if required.
Year Two
During year two students spend three days per week at the Institute of Technology and two days per week at the Agricultural College. Students take the following subjects; tractor engineering and workshop processes, electrical and electronic technology, business management, workshop administration, agricultural engineering science, computer applications.
On satisfactory completion of the course students are awarded a Higher Certificate in Technology in Agricultural Mechanisation.
This award meets the training requirements for Stamp Duty exemption and Installation Aid.
Progression
Students who achieve merit can progress to the second year of the DN047 Engineering Technology Level 8 Programme at UCD into the add-on Ordinary Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Agricultural) Level 7 at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.
