Teagasc are accepting applications for the Level 7 Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme, which will start in September 2025.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, an applicant must have a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (or equivalent or higher); or have been working in the agriculture sector for two years full-time with the relevant experience, have a Level 6 or higher qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and be directly employed by an employer approved by SOLAS.

Apprentices will engage in paid employment (on-the-job training) with a SOLAS Approved Employer during the two-year apprenticeship programme.

Course work (off-the-job training) will take place at Teagasc Kildalton College and Teagasc Moorepark in three to five-day blocks, and will be delivered by a team of Teagasc staff including college lecturers, researchers and knowledge transfer specialists, with input from guest lecturers, including Irish farmers and industry experts.

The first step in the application process is for the apprentice to gain employment with an approved employer.

The next step is for the approved employer and apprentice to complete an Apprentice Registration Form with the SOLAS authorised officer assigned to the approved employer.

Upon completion of the Farm Manager Apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will hold a QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management.

Commenting on the course, Tim Ashmore, Kildalton College principal, said: "The Farm Manager Apprenticeship programme gives apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn, while also developing knowledge, skills and competencies in sustainable farming practices.

"Apprentices will be employed on commercial farms in Ireland for the duration of the programme. Following completion of this programme, graduates will typically manage farm businesses or work in the wider agriculture industry," Ashmore added.

Teagasc is hosting three farmer briefings and panel discussions for the Farm Manager Apprenticeship programme in various locations across the country next week.

The dates, times and locations of these briefings are as follows:

Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00p.m - Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny (E32 YW08);
Wednesday, July 30 at 7:00p.m - Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork (P61 C996);
Thursday, July 31 at 7:00p.m - Teagasc Portlaoise, 1 Park Villas, Portlaoise, Co. Laois (R32 CF21).