Developments in Teagasc

1

• Developments in Teagascs
• Agricultural Education Programmes
• Paddy Browne
• Head of EducationTeagasc

2

• Thoroughly Sound And Modern Systems Of
  Agricultural Education Must Precede Any
  Considerable Progress Towards A High Rate Of
  Efficiency In Our Chief Industry
• Sir Horace Plunkett 1901

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In this Presentation

• Overview of Teagasc
• Historical Perspective
• Enrolment Trends
• Current Provision of Agricultural Education
• New Developments in Teagascs Education Programme

4
Teagasc Mission Statement

• The mission of Teagasc is to support science
  based innovation on farms and in processing firms
  that will underpin their profitability,
  competitiveness and sustainability.

5
Functions of Teagasc

• Research
• Knowledge Transfer
• Education

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Demographic Economic Trends
7
Significance of Agriculture

• Over half of Irelands indigenous exports
• One Tenth of the Irish Economy
• 30 of Net Exports
• 8.5 of Total Employment

8
Trends in Agricultural Training

• Enrolments Peaked in 1980s
• Steady Fall Since 1980s
• 76 Increase Since 2006
• All Colleges at Capacity

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Part-time Courses

• ACA (Part-time) 459
• ACA (Level 6 Award Holders) 345
• ACA (Online) 274
• Total Numbers 3222

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Summary

• Downturn in Construction
• Decoupling/Ending of Quotas
• 80 Planning to be Part-time Farmers

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Current Provision of Agricultural Education

• Higher Level Education
• Further Level Education
• Adult Farmer Training
• Food Industry Training

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Higher Level Education

• Accredited by HETAC
• Eleven Higher Level Programmes
• Progression Routes to Level 8
• 279 Enrolees in the Current Year

13
Further Level Education

• Agriculture, Horticulture, Horses and Forestry
• Accredited by FETAC
• Progression Via Higher Education Links Scheme
• 809 Enrolees in the Current Year

14
Adult Farmer Training

• Era of Lifelong Learning
• Modules Accredited by FETAC
• Discussion Groups
• 11,000 Participants Each Year

15
Food Industry Training

• Quality Systems, Food Innovation and New Product
  Development
• 500 Food Industry Managers/Trainers
• 2000 Food Operatives

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New Developments

• An Bord Snip
• Private Colleges
• Increased Enrolments

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Regional Educational Structure

• Three Lead Colleges
• Ten Regional Education Centres
• Curriculum and Quality Assurance Unit

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New Programme Components

• Discussion Groups
• Major Farm Project ICBF Herd Plus
• Profit Monitor/Farm Plan
• Proficiency Testing

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New Developments

• Leadership Module Macra Na Feirme
• Dairy Degree Programme
• Migration of Awards

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Agricultural Science Support Programme

• Joint Initiative with Agri Aware
• Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science
  Students
• Planned Programme at Agricultural Colleges
• YOU ARE ALL INVITED