Vocational Certificate in Horticulture - Level 4
 

Duration:              One Year (September - June)

Awarding Body:     Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)

Progression:          FETAC Level 5 - more info>>

Application:           Apply directly to the College

Entrance:                 Competitive Interview.

Course Aim

The aim of this one-year course is to give the students an insight into all aspects of commercial and amenity horticulture. The main emphasis of the course is on the practical aspect of horticulture skills. This gives the successful student confidence for employment in the industry. It also opens further opportunities in education (progression to FETAC 5) and employment.

To be eligible for a FETAC Level 4 Certificate in Horticulture Skills, 36 Credits must be achieved including mandatory modules. All subjects are examined on a Continual Assessment basis by weekly short exams or practical tests.

Course Structure

This is a full time course which begins in mid-September each year and runs until June of the following year. The day begins at 9am and finishes at 4.45pm, including breaks for coffee and lunch. Each day is usually divided into a combination of classes, practical demonstrations and skills practice sessions.

Students must study a number of mandatory subjects and must achieve a pass in these subjects to be eligible for the FETAC award. A number of prescribed and elective subjects must also be successfully completed to bring the total number of credits achieved to a minimum of 36 to receive the Level 4 Certificate in Horticulture.

Course Content

The course concentrates on providing students with a strong knowledge of the basics of horticulture.  The subjects offered include:

·        Health, Welfare & Safety (latest legislation, safe working practices)

·        Power Hand Tools (lawnmowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, rotavators)

·        Plant Identification & Use (learn about plants and their use in different situations)

·        Plant Propagation (how to grow plants from seed, cuttings, budding & grafting)

·        Using Garden Chemicals (safety, Personal Protective Equipment, products & uses)

·        Communications (study skills, CV preparation & job applications, interview skills)

·         Landscape Construction (patios, lawns, garden features)

·        The Flowering Plant (life cycle, pruning, feeding, care & maintenance)

·        Garden Maintenance (on-going care of gardens and landscapes)

These subjects are taught in a practical ‘hands-on’ way, giving our students a great advantage in securing employment in the horticulture industry.  A work placement of 4 weeks (minimum) allows students to work with real horticultural businesses, giving them invaluable experience and a real opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to future, prospective employers.

Students who successfully complete the Level 4 Certificate in Horticulture are actively encouraged to progress to Level 5 and subsequently to Level 6/7.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have completed the senior cycle of a second level school or be not less than 16 years old on January 1st following entry to the course to be eligible for registration. Registration at the College must take place before October 22nd of the year of entry.

This course is suitable for those who have not completed the Leaving Certificate. Applications from mature students are encouraged.
 

Application procedure

Interested students should contact the college immediately to request an application form. Interviews are held in July and places are awarded to successful candidates on the basis of a competitive interview. Late applications may be accepted depending on numbers.

Grants

Currently Teagasc awards grants (not means tested) to cover day student fees and to partly cover residential student charges. Details are available from the College - Charges >>
 

If you are interested in studying this course or if you have any further queries, please contact the college.