{"id":323476,"date":"2026-03-01T13:49:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T13:49:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/323476\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T13:49:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T13:49:07","slug":"three-limerick-men-among-irelands-first-higher-education-apprentices-in-land-based-sectors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/323476\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Limerick men among Ireland\u2019s first higher education apprentices in land-based sectors"},"content":{"rendered":"

TEAGASC marked a significant milestone with the graduation of apprentices – including three young Limerick<\/a> men – from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf, thus strengthening \u201cearn while you learn\u201d pathways into Higher Education and skilled employment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Graduates were presented with their certificates by Minister of State Marian Harkin at a ceremony in Tullamore. Among those in caps and gowns were Kevin O’Shea, Rathkeale awarded a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6) from Kildalton College.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He was joined by James Patrick Ryan, Newcastle West, awarded a Higher Certificate in Technical Farm Operations (NFQ Level 6) from Clonakilty College and Jack Corkery, Kilmeedy, awarded a Bachelor of Science in Professional Sustainable Farm Management (NFQ Level 7)\u00a0 from Kildalton College.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jack was also presented with an Apprentice of the Year 2025 award.<\/p>\n

READ NEXT:\u00a0IFA honours Limerick man for his ‘commitment, integrity, fairness and solidarity with farm families’<\/a><\/p>\n

Teagasc\u2019s involvement in apprenticeships began following a national call in 2017 for consortia-led apprenticeship proposals. Traditionally a provider of Further Education Level 5 and Level 6 programmes, Teagasc partnered with industry-led Consortia Groups to develop apprenticeship pathways aligned to workforce needs in the land-based sector.<\/p>\n

This milestone aligns with national apprenticeship policy, as consultation continues the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026\u20132030, with Teagasc actively contributing to shaping the future of apprenticeship.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe 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\u201d.<\/p>\n

David Nevin, manager, Transformation and Development, National Apprenticeship Office, said: \u201cThe 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThese 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are the innovators, problem solvers and future leaders of their professions. My congratulations to the graduates and wish them every success in their careers\u201d.<\/p>\n

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