Teagasc Recruits More Host Farmers
Issued 28th March 2002
Teagasc is involved in a nationwide campaign aimed at recruiting more host farmers to participate in the expanded work placement element of its upgraded training programmes.
As part of the national accreditation of all Teagasc training programmes, new work experience arrangements are being introduced from next June. These arrangements will require an increase in the number of host farms.
Announcing details of the campaign, Paddy Browne, Head of Education with Teagasc, said work experience in commercial farms and horticultural enterprises has always been a vital part of Teagasc training programmes.
''Work experience is recognised as one of the most effective learning methods. That is why the work experience element of the new Vocational Certificate in Agriculture (which replaces the Certificate in Farming) has been increased from three months to nine months. The increase also means that work experience programmes are now more in line with those in other EU countries'', he said.
Mr Browne said that around 1,000 farmers already take students on work experience and make a huge contribution towards imparting vital skills to the next generation of farmers and horticulturists.
''With growing labour problems in farming, we are convinced that more farmers could become involved in our work experience programmes. As well as benefiting from much-needed committed and skilled workers, becoming a host farmer is a rewarding experience and makes a major contribution to our national agriculture and horticulture training programmes'', said Paddy Browne.
He said farmers who take students on nine months work experience are obliged to comply with the requirements of the Minimum Wage Act 2000. However, Teagasc make a subvention towards the cost, brining the net cost to the farmer, including board and lodgings, to around €150 per week. The pay subs for students involved in other Teagasc courses with shorter work experience periods are lower.
Full details on the new work experience arrangements for all Teagasc courses will be outlined at 19 special information meetings which are being run by Teagasc between Monday, 8 April and Wednesday, 24 April. All meetings start at 2.15pm and all interested farmers are invited to attend.
For the full schedule of meetings, click here.
