01 April 2024

Watch: Sharing their experiences of new apprenticeship programmes

Teagasc launched land-based apprenticeships in partnership with SOLAS last year, with four two-year apprenticeships currently available. In this article, some of the current apprentices and their employers share their personal journeys and learning experiences to date.

Horticulturist Apprenticeship

Conor Comerford is completing a Horticulturist Apprenticeship (Level 6), through the College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens, and Lodgepark Landscapes.

Having working with the company for two years prior to commencing the apprenticeship, Conor explained that his job is varied, but he’s already seeing benefits from the apprenticeship programme, adding: “We are only a couple of months into it and I feel like I’ve learned a lot about botanical names of plants, plant protection, propagation, horticultural machinery, everything. You are thought everything from the ground up.”

Conor is thankful for the support offered by Diarmuid Bergin and his team from Lodgepark Landscapes, with Diarmuid adding that the company will benefit as “he will bring back his knowledge to the job, it’s a win-win really”.

Watch the video below when Conor and Diarmuid delve into more detail on the apprenticeship programme:

Taking the opportunity to learn while earning

Olivia Rigney is completing the Farm Manager Apprenticeship (Level 7) through Kildaton College and is currently a first year apprentice with Brian Doheny, in Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny.

Before taking up employment in Kilkenny, Oliva had attended Gurteen Agricultural College, where she completed the Dairy Herd Management Level 6.

On what she enjoys most about the apprenticeship programme, she said: “We are out every day doing what we want to do and you’re not stuck inside reading a book or studying all the time. We are out learning as you go. You’re out in fresh air every day; it’s good for you and it’s good for your mental health.”

She added: “I think the biggest advantage is that – after being in college and wanting to further my education, but wanting to go out and get a job and make money for myself – whether we are on farm or in college, we get paid for the apprenticeship course. It’s great to see that they can provide us with that and it really does encourage people to want to further their education.”

Watch the video below for more on Olivia’s apprenticeship:

A sportsturf employer and apprentice experiences

Mark Doyle and Shane Gorman provide an insight into their experiences as employer and apprentice of the Sportsturf Management Apprenticeship (Level 6).

Completing the apprenticeship through Kildalton College, Shane loves the opportunity it provides to earn and learn at the same time.

On why he put Shane forward for the apprenticeship programme, Mark said: “The big push for me to get Shane onto the programme was the fact that it is very difficult to get staff. It is very difficult to get younger staff in particular who are interested in it. I think down the line, the industry as a whole will suffer if we don’t be proactive in getting the next generation of good lads through. It’s an opportunity for them to learn while they are making money as well.”

Watch the video below, where both Mark and Shane delve into further detail on the apprenticeship programme:

More information on the apprenticeship programmes available