Louth graduates of first higher education apprentices in land-based sectors

Teagasc marked a significant milestone with the graduation of apprentices, including graduates from Louth, from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf, strengthening "earn while you learn” pathways into Higher Education and skilled employment.

Teagasc celebrated the graduation of Ireland’s first Higher Education Apprentices in Land-Based Sectors at an event on Wednesday 4 February in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Graduates were presented with their certificates by Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr. Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, said; “Today marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2017 to re-introduce the apprenticeship model as an additional education and training opportunity for the agriculture, horticulture and sports turf sectors.

"The linkage with real-world training and skills needs through the support of the industry consortia, combined with the practical and hands-on ‘earn as you learn’ approach makes it an exciting and attractive option for learners into the future”.

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David Nevin, Manager, Transformation and Development, National Apprenticeship Office, said: “The National Apprenticeship Office are delighted to join with Teagasc and the consortia to celebrate this, the first graduation of these innovative land-based apprenticeship programmes.

_{Below: Jamie Kelly, Co. Louth, Kildalton College awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6)} 

"These graduates leave today not just with a higher education qualification but with the practical skills, industry experience and personal resilience that come from the unique nature of the apprenticeship earn and learn model. They are the innovators, problem solvers, and future leaders of their professions. My congratulations to the graduates and wish them every success in their careers”.