Three Limerick men among Ireland’s first higher education apprentices in land-based sectors

TEAGASC marked a significant milestone with the graduation of apprentices - including three young Limerick men - from its higher education apprenticeship programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Sportsturf, thus strengthening “earn while you learn” pathways into Higher Education and skilled employment. 

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. 

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)  from Kildalton College. 

Jack was also presented with an Apprentice of the Year 2025 award.

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Teagasc’s 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.

This milestone aligns with national apprenticeship policy, as consultation continues the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026–2030, with Teagasc actively contributing to shaping the future of apprenticeship. 

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”.