Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Agriculture & Horticulture

Horticulture

A two-year apprenticeship working with plants in commercial horticulture. It suits people who like the outdoors, plants and science.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
NFQ Level 6 Higher Certificate in Horticulture
Where you train
  • Teagasc (managed from the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin)
Pay
You earn a salary from your employer. Basic pay will be the minimum wage.
Costs
Student contribution of โ‚ฌ1,077 per year, paid to Teagasc over the two years.

Entry requirements

  • You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
  • Full eligibility criteria are in the Horticulturist Apprenticeship brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or contact Teagasc at the National Botanic Gardens.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Using horticulture equipment safely
  • Plant science, soil science and plant nutrition
  • Plant propagation and production
  • Identifying plants commonly used in Ireland
  • Applying plant protection products as a trained professional user

Where it can lead

  • Horticulturist in plant nurseries, garden centres, fruit and vegetable growing
  • Landscaping, gardens and parks
  • Progress within the sector or to higher education

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Agricultural Science, Geography

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Agriculture & Horticulture apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Agriculture

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.