Agriculture and horticulture apprenticeships
This year 2026 will see the fourth intake of apprentices to the Agriculture and Horticulture apprenticeship programmes that are up and running in three Teagasc Colleges. Potential future Apprentices are invited to join a webinar to learn more about the apprenticeship programmes that is up and running at the College of Amenity Horticulture Dublin, Kildalton Agricultural and Horticultural College and Clonakilty Agricultural College.
This earn and learn model of training is part of the new breed of apprenticeships that have come on stream in the last 10 years involving SOLAS and the industry. The first graduates from Agriculture and Horticulture apprenticeships emerged with their qualifications in the last month.
Teagasc will host a free webinar on Thursday, March 19, from 11am to 12 noon on apprenticeships in Agriculture and Horticulture. All interested are invited to join. The online event will bring together recent graduates, tutors, and employers to explain how these programmes combine practical workplace learning with classroom-based modules to create clear career pathways and strengthen skills in the Ag and Hort sectors.
John Mulhern, Principal at the College of Amenity Horticulture Dublin said: “Attendees will hear how the apprenticeships blend hands-on, on-farm and on-site experience with nationally recognised technical, digital and sustainability-focused modules delivered in Teagasc Colleges. The webinar will outline curriculum structure, employer and mentor responsibilities, supports available to participating businesses, and progression routes for learners; including opportunities for existing workers to upskill while earning a wage.”
A live Questions and Answers session will allow employers, prospective apprentices, and training providers to raise queries about hosting or applying for an apprenticeship.
Employers, prospective apprentices, training providers and media are invited to register at https://teagasc.ie/event/teagasc-land-based-apprenticeships/
Hosted by Deirdre Walsh, Education Strategy Project Manager and Assistant College Principal, Botanics, the panellists and topics for the webinar include:
Farm Manager Apprenticeship
Olivia Rigney – Apprentice Recently Graduated
Farm Technician Apprenticeship
Mike Madden – Apprentice Recently Graduated.
Horticulturist Apprenticeship
Darragh Sloane – Apprentice Recently Graduated
Apprentice Employer
Paidi Kelly
Apprentice Programme Co-Ordinator
Emma-Louise Coffey