Horticultural Apprenticeship
View latest Apprenticeship Webinar (Employer - 17th May 2024)
View information webinar on Horticulturist Apprenticeship
Overview | Entry Requirements | How to Become an Apprentice Horticulturist | Programme Costs | Programme Structure | Programme Modules | More Information
Overview
The Apprenticeship in horticulture is for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the horticultural sector or existing personnel employed in a horticultual facility that would like to gain a recognised qualification.
Programme Title: Horticultural Apprenticeship Programme
Duration: Two years
Certification: Higher Certificate in Horticulture
Awarding Body: Quality and Qualifications Ireland - QQI
Entry Requirements
All Apprentices must be employed full time by a 'Solas Approved Employer' in a Horticultural setting. Additional entry requirements, applicants must have:
Option 1:
Completed the Leaving Certificate (NFQ Level 5) with 5 subjects with a minimum of O6/H7 to include English or higher and a minimum of foundation Mathematics F6.
Option 2:
Successfully completed Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture 5M2586 or equivalent major horticulture course.
Option 3:
A candidate 17 years or older who does not hold the above qualifications as set out in categories 1 or 2 above, but who has a minimum of 48 weeks cumulative experience working in horticulture, is recommended by their employer and demonstrates the stated literacy and numeracy skills, will also be eligible to apply.
Note -The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.
*A qualification deemed equivalent on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications to any of the qualifications listed above.
How to become an Apprentice Horticulturist
Step 1 Applicants must be directly employed by a SOLAS approved Employer based on your choice of stream.
Step 2 The approved SOLAS Employer will start the registration process with SOLAS (The Further Education & Training Authority)
Step 3 Applicants 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 released.
Approved Employers will also advertise vacancies when seeking to employ a new apprentice, listings can found by searching 'Horticulture' on the Generation Apprenticeship website -> https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs
Note Applicants may be called for an interview to discuss entry requirements and learner support requirements.
Programme Costs
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.
Programme Structure
Apprentices will be trained in a progressive manner and will get to put their skills into practice during both on and off the job training stages. On successful completion, the apprentice will be fully competent in the role of a Horticulturist.
Employers are asked to support employees throughout their learning journey by engaging and facilitating one - to - one mentor meetings on a regular basis. Employers will be issued with advice on this during the induction training.
The block release programme has been designed to minimise the impact of the apprentice's abscence's abscence throughout off-season. Attendance is compulsory and apprentices will attend classes, practicals, labs and field trips while off-the-job.
The following stages will be completed as part of the Horticultural Apprenticeship:
| Year 1 Autumn / Winter Semester | September - December |
|---|---|
| 2 days off-the-job every second week | |
| Year 1 Spring / Summer Semester | January - June |
| 2 days off-the-job every second week | |
Programme Modules
Year 1 / Stage 1
- Growing Media and Plant Nutrition
- Plant Science
- Plant Propagation
- Sustainable Plant Protection
- Plant ID
- Sustainable IT Skills
- Horticultural machinery and health and safety
Note: All streams complete year 1 modules, content and assessment tailored to the relevant stream.
Year 2 / Stage 2
Mandatory for all streams:
- Financial Management for Horticulture
- Sustainable Horticultural Practice
Note: All streams complete year 2 mandatory modules, content and assessment tailored to the relevant stream.
The following are the specific stream modules:
Fruit Stream:
- Fruit Production
Garden and Parks Stream:
- Advanced plant identification and cultivation techniques
- Garden and Parks Management
Garden Centre Stream:
- Customer Service for horticulture
- Garden Centre management
Landscaping Stream:
- Advanced plant identification and cultivation techniques
- Hard landscaping
Nursery Stream:
- Customer service for Horticulture
- Nursery stock production
Vegetable Stream:
- Vegetable production
More Information
See Apprenticeships website - Apprenticeships Website
Information for Employers is available on the apprenticeships website
For Further information please contact:
Marcella Phelan
National Apprenticeship Programme Co - Ordinator
Teagasc - Curriculum & Development Standards Unit
T +353 (0)51644508
E marcella.phelan@teagasc.ie
John Mulhern
College Principal
College of Horticulture
Teagasc - National Botanic Gardens, Glassnevin
T +353 (0)18040205
E john.mulhern@teagasc.ie
Hort Apprenticeship - Employers Webinar
Horticulturist Apprenticeship Webinar - September 7th 2023
The webinar details the programme structure, how employers can register to become approved Apprentice hosts. Eligibility requirements for potential apprentices, as well as answering questions from attendees. Hosted by John Mulhern, College Principal of the Botanic Gardens Horticultural College
