Teagasc Training Director Welcomes Review

Speaking at the Teagasc Annual Training Conference for Master Farmers and Hosts held in Dublin today (November 2), Donal Carey, Director of Education and Development in Teagasc, welcomed the recent Review of Teagasc's Education and Training Provision.

The review makes 14 key recommendations including a recommendation that the work placement element of agricultural training courses should be shortened in length through the introduction of home farm placement.

"This is in recognition of the needs and demands of both those intending to become full time farmers and those planning to enter farming on a part time basis", said Mr. Carey.

Continuing he said "The work placement will be structured to ensure that students are placed with Master Farmers who have relevant enterprises and that the timing of placement ensures the optimum opportunity for learning new skills.  Regular support and guidance will be provided to the student during placement to ensure that the learning objectives are achieved. Students will be brought together on two days per month during the placement period and provided with an opportunity, using a discussion group format, to debate time critical farm management issues."

In addition to completing the six months placement on a host farm, students will complete a twelve month placement on their home farm and will attend discussion groups, visit monitor farms and complete farm management assignments.

Recognising the valuable contribution that Master Farmers and Hosts make to agricultural training, Donal Carey said that Teagasc will evaluate the teaching skill of hosts together with the efficiency and safety standards of the farm business.

"Teagasc will be providing a structured training programme for host farmers and attendance will be mandatory for critical components," said Mr. Carey.

Continuing Mr. Carey said that the current 100-hour and 180-hour courses, for people with a non-agricultural Level 6 qualification will be discontinued and replaced with a programme leading to an Advanced Certificate in Farming Level 6.  These courses will be available locally and will accommodate the time constraints of students demanding this course.

"Account will be taken of student's prior knowledge and experience and compared with the existing 180 hour course it will have an enhanced practical focus",  concluded Mr. Carey.