Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Its mission is to support science-based innovation in the agri-food sector and the broader bio-economy that will underpin profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.

Teagasc Education

Teagasc is the primary provider of accredited further (vocational) education for the land–based sector. Teagasc has a major input into higher education and postgraduate education delivery through its extensive partnership with the higher education sector. Teagasc welcomes applications for courses starting in September 2025.

Teagasc also has a substantial involvement in providing short courses and continuous professional development across the land- based and food sectors. This Prospectus outlines the various course offerings.

Teagasc Education for the land sector

Teagasc recognises the importance of developing the knowledge, skills and capability of people working in the land-based sector. While practical knowledge will always be essential, there will be an increasing need to broaden and deepen skillsets in areas such as sustainability, new technologies, business, risk management, safety, well being and food assurance. Developing the capability of students to learn, and solve problems for themselves is increasingly important.

The Teagasc Education Vision Report (2018) identified a need to refine and extend Teagasc’s education offering to meet changing skillset for managers, technicians and operatives across the land sector. Innovative approaches to teaching and learning are required to foster learners’ personal capabilities. Digital technologies will play an increasing role in shifting education delivery towards a blended delivery format. Greater gender diversity across land sector careers also needs to be encouraged. Formal education can no longer sustain evolving skillset needs over the course of a career. Continuous learning after formal education will be imperative.

Teagasc linked higher education

Teagasc makes a major contribution to the delivery of land sector higher education courses. This involvement supports progression opportunities for Teagasc students in addition to providing a technical knowledge base for learners in higher education. Graduates of Teagasc linked higher education programmes take up careers across the agri-food sector including farming, horticulture, forestry, equine, machinery, agri-services and food sectors.

Teagasc Apprenticeships

Higher Education Apprenticeship Programmes

Teagasc introduced 4 apprenticeship programmes in 2023:

• Sportsturf Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6) 2 year duration
• Horticulturist (Higher Certificate Level 6) 2 year duration
• Farm Technician (Higher Certificate Level 6) 2 year duration
• Farm Manager (Ordinary Level 7 Bachelor Degree) 2 year duration

Teagasc is working with industry to develop and validate a new ordinary Level 7 Bachelor Degree for assistant stud managers. Additional details will be made available when this course has been validated with QQI.

Further updates on apprenticeship training will be published on the Teagasc website.