Earning while learning
Four new land- based apprenticeship programmes delivered by Teagasc, are enabling a wide range of people to develop new skills and careers. And employers and industry are gaining access to a new pool of knowledgeable, skilled, and highly motivated staff, writes Mark Moore.
According to Marcella Phelan, National Apprenticeships Programme Specialist, Teagasc completed the lengthy process of designing and accrediting four land-based apprenticeship programmes in 2023. These are the first of their type in the country.
- Sportsturf Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6)
- Horticulture (Higher Certificate Level 6)
- Farm Technician (Higher Certifi- cate Level 6)
- Farm Manager (Ordinary Degree Level 7)
Apprentices engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS Approved Employer during the two-year apprenticeship programmes. (SOLAS is a government agency which manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes including Apprenticeships)
“For these higher education apprenticeship programmes there are Consortium Groups who have oversight of the occupational profile (which sets out attributes of the apprentice for the relevant apprenticeship) and the criteria for the employer/business and workplace mentor to train the apprentice,” adds Marcella.
“An apprenticeship is a full-time job with additional learning relevant to the occupation that the person wants to work in. The apprentice is paid for the duration of the programme (both on-the-job training and off-the-job periods).
The apprenticeship gives the person hands-on experience, a salary, and the opportunity to gain qualifications while they work.”
While the apprenticeships only began in late 2023, those participating are already delivering feedback.
Lisa Clark is completing the Farm Manager Apprenticship
“I found out about the course online. I was searching for Agri courses that would be close to home, learning farming through hands on, practical experience, and also financially feasible,” says Lisa. “The Farm Management Apprenticeship covered all three as I could choose the farm myself; it is 80% working on the farm and 20% class based; and I get paid while learning new skills.
“I was looking for work on a dairy farm where there was an opportunity to grow my skillset and further educate myself rather than just be a relief milker. My employers Peter and Jenny Young have an excellent track record of working with and training Ag students and providing young people with the chance to grow their skillset. It felt like a good fit. When considering the position on this farm, Peter advised me that there was the opportunity to complete the apprenticeship through his farm. Prior to committing to the apprenticeship programme, I worked on the farm to get used to working with the farmer, the farm team and the farm system.
“I had previously completed a three year degree in vet nursing. The course consisted of a lot of theory and a summer placement. While it was an excellent course, I felt I could not properly put the theory that I had learned from September through to May into practice until placement during the summer. What I love with the apprenticeship is that you are your learning on the job all year round, while spending a few days in education each month in Teagasc Kildalton College and Teagasc Moorepark and where I am learning from leading researchers, specialists and industry experts as well as my class mates.
“I feel the farm manager apprenticeship teaches you how to work on a farm and raise livestock to the best of your ability but also to step out of your comfort zone by taking on more responsibility. It also teaches you to build a viable farm business by taking on board the legal, financial and economical commitments needed to run a successful dairy farm.
“For me it’s a huge advantage that many of the other apprentices are from farming backgrounds and extremely knowledgeable in dairying. At first I was nervous about this as I felt I was on the back foot but after settling in to the induction and classes I found everyone to be friendly and approachable. Both I and my fellow apprentices find that the tips and tricks we pick up from each other’s farms are very valuable.”
The success of the new Teagasc Apprenticeship Programmes is clearly enhanced by the possibility to earn while learning. The quality of the facilities and the educators in Teagasc are also key. The third vital component is the relationship between the apprentice and the employer. So it is interesting that within these new programmes the apprentice chooses the employer (as well as vice versa) rather than being assigned to one. Careful vetting of potential employers by Teagasc/SOLAS means apprentices should have a rich learning experience over their two-year apprenticeship.