The Teagasc College of Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens has been able to resume outdoor practical delivery of its programmes in April, with the easing of Level 5 restrictions. All outdoor activity had been paused due to the pandemic but thankfully we can now operate outdoor, safe, socially distanced practicals. Students doing the advanced certificate and degree programmes will be joined by certificate students in May to complete programmes for practical instruction and assessment in different modules. All activities are closely risk-assessed and follow strict HSE protocols to ensure safety procedures are followed at all times. Students work in specific pods groups for their nominated outdoor activities. Students have been delighted to be back on-site in Botanics Glasnevin and the Ashtown Teagasc.
There is ongoing interest in courses for next year and on the last Friday of each month there is a virtual event called TRY Hort which is an online programme highlighting the coursework and programmes offered. Past TRY Hort events can be viewed on the National Botanics College page of the Teagasc website. This month’s event, on Friday April 30th at 12.30 pm, will showcase the level 7 degree that is offered with partner Waterford Institute of Technology, covering what this programme can offer for learning and work placement and how it can prepare students for a career in horticulture. Register for the event at: https://tryhorticultureaprilvirtualopenday.eventbrite.ie. Interest in next year courses is strong and there is an online application portal open available for the Certificate Level 5 programme at: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/ apply-online/horticulture-courses. ✽
