Teagasc celebrates apprenticeship graduations in Tullamore
Teagasc marked a significant milestone in Tullamore on Wednesday, 4 February, with the graduation of apprentices from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf.
The event highlighted the continued development of “earn while you learn” pathways into higher education and skilled employment in the land-based sector.
Graduates were presented with their certificates by Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills.
Teagasc’s involvement in apprenticeships began following a national call in 2017 for consortia-led proposals. Traditionally a provider of Further Education Level 5 and Level 6 programmes, Teagasc partnered with industry-led consortia to develop apprenticeship pathways aligned with workforce needs.
In 2023, QQI validation confirmed Teagasc as an approved provider of higher education apprenticeship programmes, creating new alternative routes into higher education.
The Sportsturf Apprenticeship addresses a critical national skills need across pitches, golf courses and racecourses, while the horticulture sector offers diverse career opportunities across food production, nurseries, landscaping, gardens and parks.
Agricultural apprenticeships play a vital role in generational renewal, skills transfer and sustainability, with the Farm Technician and Farm Manager programmes designed to be inclusive and to develop both technical and essential soft skills.
The role of SOLAS-approved employers, workplace mentors and education partners was acknowledged at the Tullamore graduation. Off-the-job training is delivered through Kildalton College, Clonakilty Agricultural College and the College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens, supported by industry engagement and Teagasc research and advisory expertise.
Speaking at the event in Tullamore, Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, said the graduation marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2017 to reintroduce the apprenticeship model for the agriculture, horticulture and sports turf sectors, combining real-world training with a practical “earn as you learn” approach.
David Nevin, Manager, Transformation and Development at the National Apprenticeship Office, congratulated the graduates on achieving higher education qualifications alongside practical skills and industry experience through the apprenticeship model.
Graduates of the Sportsturf Management, Horticulturist, Farm Technician and Farm Manager apprenticeship programmes also received Apprentice of the Year 2025 awards, presented by Minister Marian Harkin TD.