Vocational Certificate in Horticulture - Level 6
 

Duration:             One Year

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

Application:         Apply directly to College.

Entrance:            Minimum - FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture.

Now enrolling for September 2008 - contact the college for further information and an application form.

Course Aim

The aim of this one year course is build on and extend the range of knowledge and skills obtained in the FETAC Certificate in Horticulture Level 5.  This is achieved by combining a period in college with an extended period of work placement in the horticultural industry. The main emphasis of this course is to give the student an meaningful period of work experience (33 weeks) combined with the opportunity to practice the mandatory Proficiency Test skills during work placement.
 

Students return to college after placement (usually March-April) to study a range of management modules designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge to assist in the running of a horticultural enterprise.
 

Entry Requirements

Students must have successfully completed the FETAC Certificate in Horticulture Level 5 course.

Course Content

The subjects offered concentrate on providing students with a sound foundation in the principles of business management to compliment the practical experience gained on their placement. Some of the subjects offered are:

Horticultural Financial Records
Horticulture and the Environment
Staff Management
Laws and Procedures Relating to Employment
Work Based Learning (Placement) - 33 weeks
6 Proficiency Test Modules – students have a range of skills to choose from including:

Seedbed Preparation, Pruning, Staking & Tying, Floristry, Identification of Horticultural Plants, Pests and Diseases and Operating Pedestrian Controlled Power Implements.

Students must achieve a total of 115 credits to be awarded a FETAC Level 6 award (a minimum of 50 credits will already have been achieved during the FETAC Level 5 course.)  All subjects are examined on a Continual Assessment basis by weekly short exams or practical tests.

Satisfactory completion of both the FETAC 5 and FETAC 6 Certificates in Horticulture qualifies students for participation in Department of Agriculture schemes such as Installation Aid, Early Retirement and Stamp Duty Exemption (subject to satisfaction of the Department's regulations.)

Grants

Currently Teagasc award grants to part cover day and residential student charges. Details are available from the college.
 

If you have any queries please contact the college.