Local Training Initiative

IRD Duhallow’s Local Training Initiative

IRD Duhallow’s LTI is funded by Cork Employment and Training Board and is focused on horticulture. Our LTI Is now in its fifth year, and it’s success is largely attributable to the extensive grounds available to the project at the James O’ Keeffe Institute. The Irish horticultural industry is an important economic sector in Ireland with an estimated farm gate value of €433m, which is the fourth highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value. In Duhallow the Local Training Initiative provides vocational training opportunities in Horticulture, providing Level 4 and Level 5 certification leading to progression to further training, education and work in the horticultural sector.

Level 5 Qualification Achieved Twelve students started the Level 5 programme which commenced in April 2019 with the success of the Level 4 programmes being emphasized by the return of 11 past students to undertake Level 5, representing all 3 intakes at Level 4. 2018/19 Level 4 students receiving their certificates with Maura Walsh CEO and Rachel Budd, LTI Co-ordinator. 9 students achieved QQI Level 5 accreditation in February 2020. Level 5 consists of a more academic approach to botanical theory and horticultural science, with a large emphasis on organic production. The students undertook an 8-week work placement during the summer months as part of the extensive Work Practice Module. This is invaluable experience and can set them on the way to a career in horticulture. Although the academic nature of Level 5 demanded more classroom time, the students still found time to organise events for the local community, including Plant Sales, a Garden Open Day and a Weekly Vegetable Stall throughout the growing season. These events accentuate the work put in by the students and enable the general public to purchase organically

As part of our LTI, we have development individual allotment plots. raised vegetables and plants. The progression route from Level 4 to Level 5 at IRD Duhallow allows students continue their studies in the extensive grounds of the James O’Keefe Institute before progressing into employment or further training.

Progression Opportunities To date 32 students have successfully completed the programme at Level 4, with 26 achieving the major award, consisting of all nine modules. 9 students have successfully completed Level 5 with 8 achieving the major award. Four past students also achieved Level 5 qualifications at An tlonad Glas in Dromcollogher and at Cork Training Centre, with three progressing to Level 7 and 8 qualifications in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology. A number of past students have also found employment, with local landscaping companies, and organic food producers. Two past students have been employed by the OPW based at Muckross

Dorothee Ott working at Mallow Garden Show as part of her Work Placement in the LTI Programme

Freshly harvested produce for sale at the weekly vegetable stall at the James O’ Keeffe Institute. This gives students the opportunity to sell their products.

House in Killarney National Park.

New Programme 2020 sees a return to Level 4 to enable new participants to gain skill and confidence in horticulture, before progressing on to employment or further training. This new programme will begin as soon as the Covid -19 situation allows. Graduation Day for the Level 5 students with LTI Co-ordinator Rachel Budd and Assistant Co-ordinator Brighid-Ide Walsh. The success of the horticulture training initiative is in no small part due to the extensive grounds and training facilities at the James O’Keefe Institute and the enthusiasm and commitment of each and every person who signs up to undertake the programme, whether they are experienced gardeners or complete novices.

TESTIMONIAL: Dan Fitzgibbon LEVEL 5 HORTICULTURE I completed the QQI Level 5 Horticulture course in IRD Duhallow from 2019 to 2020. The support and encouragement I received during this course from the staff was absolutely fantastic. The course material was fantastic and I’d highly recommend anyone looking to get into Horticulture to attend the course in IRD Duhallow.

Dan Fitzgibbon planting rhubarb in the Therapeutic Garden on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute.