Laois students celebrate graduation from Teagasc apprenticeships

It was a milestone day for two Laois students on Wednesday, February 4 when they graduated from their Teagasc  apprenticeship programmes.

Laois' Jason Keogh Grincell was awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) while Olivia Rigney was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management (NFQ Level 7) from Kildalton College. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Jason Keogh Grincell was awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) from Kildalton College.

A special event was held in Tullamore to celebrate the graduation of apprentices from Teagasc's  higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf, strengthening “earn while you learn” pathways into Higher Education and skilled employment.

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

Olivia Rigney was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management (NFQ Level 7) from Kildalton College.

The Sportsturf Apprenticeship addresses a critical skills need across pitches, golf courses, and racecourses nationwide. Prior to its approval, learners were required to complete training outside Ireland. The horticulture sector offers diverse career opportunities across food production, nurseries, landscaping, gardens, and parks.

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Agricultural apprenticeships play a vital role in addressing generational renewal, skills transfer, and sustainability in farming. The Farm Technician and Farm Manager apprenticeships were designed to be inclusive and to embed Universal Design for Learning, while developing both technical competence and essential soft skills. Graduates represent a skilled workforce supporting Ireland’s future food security, climate goals, and generational renewal.

Apprenticeships rely on the commitment of SOLAS-approved employers and workplace mentors, whose contribution was recognised at the graduation.

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”.

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. 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”.