Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has announced that two new farming apprenticeships will begin this September. This is welcome news for the agricultural community. Most farmers will agree that these programmes, aimed at helping to address key labour shortages within the farming sector, are long overdue. Aside from providing participants with a firm grounding in farm management and the maintenance of good farming practices, the creation of farm-related apprenticeships represents an important landmark in the recognition of farming as an important trade in its own right.
Farm Manager Apprenticeship and Farm Technician Apprenticeship
Both apprenticeships promise to create excellent opportunities for current and aspiring workers in the agri sector.
The Farm Manager Apprenticeship creates pathways for those wishing to pursue a career in farm management. Participants in the programme will learn about best practice in the running of a commercial farming business. The programme will lead to a Level 7 award and will be delivered through Teagasc's Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny.
The Farm Technician apprenticeship, on the other hand, will provide training in daily farm operations, compliance with industry standards and regulatory measures. It will lead to a Level 6 qualification and will be delivered at Clonakilty College in Co. Cork and Ballyhaise College in Cavan.
Apprentices will be employed on commercial farms across a range of production systems including arable, dairy, cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and suckler farms. Each Apprenticeship will be two years in duration, and will lead to a Major Award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
A Word From the Minister
Speaking at the launch of the new apprenticeships, Minister Harris stressed that this is an important development for the agricultural sector. He also pointed out that the programmes will help to secure the future of farming:
"These apprenticeship programmes will welcome their first apprentices in September. Embedding these programmes will be essential to securing the future of farming. This investment will ensure the next generation of farmers can access the education they want and need, while still working on the farm."
IFA and Teagasc Welcome Announcement of New Apprenticeships
Representatives from the Irish Farmers Association and Teagasc also expressed their support for the new farming apprenticeships. National Chair of the IFA's Farm Family and Social Affairs, Alice Doyle, pointed out that the new awards will help to address labour shortages in the sector. "The IFA welcomes the new agricultural apprenticeships which will provide a real and substantive career pathway for school leavers, those already working on farms and looking to upskill, or change their careers and get back to employment in new and growing areas."
Dr Anne Marie Butler, who heads Teagasc's Education department, pointed out that the new apprenticeships will be a significant addition to the suite of programmes currently available through the farming authority.
More information on these apprenticeships can be obtained by emailing communications@solas.
