Programme for TY students provides pathway into agriculture
Agri Aware, in partnership with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) has officially launched its Intro to AG programme for transition year students.
The launch of the programme took place at LOETB's Midlands Skills Centre in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, alongside LOETB schools that took part in the pilot programme during the academic year.
Local TDs and councillors were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the programme.
Students showcased the projects they created as part of their learning, with a wide array of projects on display covering topics from challenges facing the agri-food sector to farm safety.
The winners of the Intro to Ag programme were Jack Hyland, Conor O'Shea, Lennon Conroy and Jack Kelly from Clonaslee College, with their project titled 'Issues in Agriculture'.
TY students
The aim of the Intro to Ag programme is to encourage more students to study agricultural science for the Leaving Certificate and to pursue a career in the industry.
It is also an effort to future proof the sector that has a growing demand for agricultural science graduates to take on a variety of roles across the industry.
The programme gives students a flavour of what to expect when studying the subject for the leaving certificate and offers an insight into career opportunities in the sector.
It also provides a pathway to guide the next generation of students towards careers in agriculture and food production.
It supports them at an important stage in their education, when they are making decisions on subject choices and exploring potential career paths.
The executive director of Agri Aware, Marcus O'Halloran said: 'The pilot of the Intro to Ag programme has been a huge success and it was capped off with a brilliant day with everyone who has been a critical cog in the development of the programme.
'Congratulations to the winners of the programme Clonaslee College and to all the schools who took part in the programme's pilot.'
'We look forward to seeing you back in the programme next year. Agri Aware is delighted to launch the Intro to Ag programme in partnership with the LOETB and look forward to welcoming students to the programme in September 2025,' O'Halloran added.
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