What courses suit me? Agri courses for Kilkenny school-leavers

The choice of agricultural courses is considerable. Students planning a career in the agricultural, horticultural or equine sector and also qualifying as a young trained farmer may find it difficult to navigate the list of courses available.

Teagasc Education Officer Hugh MacEneaney gives a synopsis on the options.

Teagasc offers a wide array of courses from certificate to degree level. “Recently we launched an apprenticeship in sport-turf and coming on stream this year will be offering apprenticeship in dairy, beef and equine.”

Green Cert

‘Green Cert’ courses are available nationwide (QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture). The ‘Green Cert’ is the most widely accepted course to qualify for the Department of Agriculture schemes such as The Young Farmers Scheme and TAMS. It is also the qualification required for Stamp Duty Exemption to those under 35 years of age on the transfer of land.

There are three options -

Full-time Course

Full-time course at Agricultural colleges (Kildalton, Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Mountbellew, Pallaskenry and Gurteen).

Apply online on Teagasc website.

Distance Course

Distance courses are delivered at Kildalton Agriculture College. Available to students who have a QQI Major level 6 or higher qualification in a non- agricultural area.

Students attend a local education centre or college for 18 - 24 days to complete practical skills. This is accompanied with online and directed learning.

Part-time Course

At Kildalton Agriculture College and local education centres and agriculture colleges on a part-time basis. Students must be over 23.

Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Agriculture Advanced Certificate in Agriculture may have the opportunities to gain entry to higher education courses. This is a great opportunity to further your studies post Green Cert.

Further Education

Further level courses are suitable for people who are looking at a career in agriculture but who do not wish to complete a higher level course. QQI accredited courses are suitable for future farmers and people seeking employment on farms.

Examples are: Dairy Herd Management, Forestry, Crops and machinery Management, Horticulture, Equine Management, Pig Management, Poultry Management.

Higher Level Courses

University Colleges Dublin, Cork and Galway offer agricultural degree programmes in a variety of areas .

Agricultural Degree courses are run in partnership with Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities such as SETU in Waterford. Students apply for higher level courses through the CAO.

For information, contact your local Teagasc Education Officer - Hugh MacEneaney Teagasc, Kells Road, Kilkenny. R95 RX30. Email [email protected], telephone 0567721153.